Aquaterra Leisure has recently employed six youngsters as part of a 12 month apprenticeship scheme. The apprentices aged from 16 – 20 years-old are based at six locations around Islington as they work towards NVQ level 2 qualifications in Sport and Leisure Facility Operations.
They will have the opportunity to train in first aid and lifeguarding as well as practical experience working in health & safety, facility operations, sports hall operations, reception, swimming training and membership sales.
Jane Stanton, director of human Resources at Aquaterra comments: “Aquaterra’s Islington apprentice scheme is highly unique because we are choosing to pay our new apprentices the London Living Wage while they gain vital qualifications and skills that will enable them to have a career in the leisure industry.
“We actively sought applications from all sectors of the community and worked closely with our partner organisations, including the Job Centre and local colleges, to ensure a highly diverse range of applicants. Ultimately we were seeking people who could demonstrate an interest in sport and health and who were eager to build a career in the leisure industry.”
AWARD-WINNING
Aquaterra Leisure has run an award-winning apprenticeship scheme at their Bath and North East Somerset contract for over 10 years and has successfully trained over 70 apprentices, with nearly 50% of operational staff being either current or former apprentices.
The company is one of only 3% in the UK to hold the prestigious Investors in People Gold standard award, and is the first leisure trust in London to become an accredited London Living Wage employer in strategic partnership with Islington Town Council. Because of this, the new interns will be paid the London Living Wage of £8.55 per hour throughout their training.
Jane adds: “Our previous apprentice programmes have proved successful, with a number of apprentices finishing their training and going on to work at Aquaterra in permanent positions. From the new group starting in November, we are excited to provide this opportunity to a more diverse range of applicants than ever before.”
