Four young people have taken their next steps into working life as they take up apprenticeships in North Tyneside’s leisure centres.
The new apprentices will be based in centres across the borough, gaining on-the-job experience while going to college to work towards a Level 2 in Leisure Operations.
In their new positions, they will learn about key roles in leisure centres and the responsibilities they have. This includes shadowing and learning the role of reception, leisure assistants, cleaners, lifeguards, contours instructors, management teams and swimming teachers.
Among the new apprentices are three former trainees, who took part in the council’s voluntary traineeships in June.
The six-week course invited young people to be a part of the centres for six weeks, before automatically being given an interview for the apprentice positions.
Cllr Sarah Day, cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: “Apprenticeships provide a fantastic chance for young people to get on-the-job experience while furthering their careers by gaining qualifications to take with them – so I’m delighted that we are offering these opportunities in our leisure centres.
“Apprentices bring such enthusiasm and new ways of thinking to a workplace – so I look forward to seeing how our new starters progress.”
One of the new apprentices, Nick Douglas, said: “I'm looking forward to building my confidence and learning new skills - particularly lifeguarding. It’s an excellent opportunity for me to get into work.”
Harry Heron, one of the trainees to secure an apprenticeship, added: “I am really excited to start an apprenticeship with North Tyneside Council; I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the traineeship prior to this and am excited to get started.”
To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities at North Tyneside Council, visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk/apprenticeships or call Tina Adams on 07896138931