Sunderland College has teamed up with Everyone Active to help young people take their first steps towards a career in the fitness and leisure industry.
Recruiting now to launch in November 2021, the traineeship programme will give learners an insight into key roles such as lifeguards and personal trainers, with a guaranteed interview for sports and leisure apprenticeships for those who complete the course.
The traineeship has been co-designed by the college and Everyone Active to include practical workshops with industry experts with a significant work placement at various Everyone Active centres in the local area, including the world-class Aquatic Centre in Sunderland. Trainees will also study towards a National Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).
John Rushworth, Faculty Director for Health, Sport and Education, said: “In England, the Sport and Physical Activity sector is estimated to be worth approximately £15 billion, with growth in the areas of fitness and sports facilities including roles such as fitness instructors, sport and leisure assistants and leisure managers.
“We are absolutely delighted that through our strong partnership work with Everyone Active we are able to provide this unique programme that develops the skills and experience of learners who are looking for careers in the leisure industry.”
Everyone Active is the longest established leisure contractor in the UK and manage over 200 leisure and cultural centres across the UK, with many based in Sunderland and the city’s surrounding areas.
The £20 million Aquatic Centre opened in 2008 and offers a huge range of fitness and activity options including a 50m main swimming pool, diving pool and a state-of-the-art 140-station gym, as well as a variety of both virtual and instructor-led fitness classes that cater for all ages and abilities.
Ian Bradgate, Everyone Active’s Area Contact Manager, added: “Everyone Active is extremely excited to be working with Sunderland College in supporting their learners into employment. We see this programme as being the foundation for students to begin their journey into the leisure industry.
“Each student that successfully completes the traineeship will be guaranteed an apprenticeship interview with ourselves undertaking roles such as fitness instructors, recreational assistants, membership advisors and front of house.”
Sunderland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
