Summary
As a Leisure Apprentice, you will support the day-to-day operations of the leisure centre, such as the fitness suites, swimming pools, reception areas and cafe. This hands-on role is ideal for someone passionate about health, fitness, and customer service who’s looking to earn while working towards nationally recognised industry qualifications.
Wage
£14,573.69 a year
Starting salary from £279.35 per week up to £451.77, equivalent to £14,573.69 to £23,568.84 per annum, plus excellent benefits (salary subject to meeting defined milestones as your capability and qualifications increase)
Training course
Leisure team member (level 2)
Hours
Working days and times include early mornings, late evenings, weekend and bank holiday working patterns according to operational need. Breaks are unpaid.
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 29 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
* To undertake training and gain experience/ qualifications (subject to funding) in a variety of duties in departments across the business i.e. poolside (lifeguard and swimming instruction), fitness suite, reception, café, etc.
* To initially learn, and in future (subject to competency) assist in the preparation, rig, and de-rig of respective areas of the buildings and equipment in accordance with the programme.
* To initially learn, and in future (subject to competency) assist in undertaking the recording of pool water tests and immediately report the readings to a Duty Manager.
* To initially learn, and in future (subject to competency) maintain all areas of the buildings in a clean and tidy condition – undertaking major cleaning duties on a regular basis as programmed by the departmental Daily Log.
* To initially learn, and in future (subject to competency) to clean the poolside and pool bottom with pool vacuum, First Aid room, changing rooms, toilet and shower areas and any other areas of the building according to the apprenticeship programme, as detailed on the relevant departmental Daily Log
Where you'll work
BLACKSHOTS LEISURE CENTRE
BLACKSHOTS LANE
GRAYS
RM16 2JU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
LOCOMOTIVATION LTD.
Training course
Leisure team member (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Work in a team to support peers and colleagues to meet the goals of the business.
* Communicate (written, verbal) accurately and effectively and in line with legal requirements. E.g. Information on products and accident reporting procedures.
* Undertake the operational housekeeping of the leisure facility. For example, assembling, dismantling, routine maintenance and storage of equipment. Cleaning tasks. Opening and closing procedures, including evacuation. Safe set up of equipment and activities.
* Monitor customer use of equipment and ensure their safety, intervening as necessary.
* Comply with the legal requirements to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all colleagues and customers within the facility, such as Equality Act, HSE Act, COSHH, RIDDOR, Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Data Protection, BSI and European guidelines relevant to the environment, first aid regulations.
* Use IT including front of house system, social media and digital channels.
* Perform all the duties of a swimming teacher including; delivering swimming lessons that develop water confidence, core aquatic skills, safety and technical skills across a range of participants of different abilities from non swimmer to advanced. Promoting and raising awareness of swimming opportunities. Supervising and leading swimming teachers assistants.
* Perform the duties of a lifeguard including; working as part of a team to provide safe supervision of swimmers and prevent accidents. How to intervien providing rescues and life saving techniques when necessary.
* Perform all of the duties of a gym instructor; including; conducting, gym inductions, client consultations, assessment and review and health screening. Use underpinning knowledge of anatomy, physiology, human movement and biomechanics and applying fitness training techniques. Planning, reviewing and delivering safe and effective gym based exercise programmes with individuals and small groups.
* Plan activity sessions using techniques that are suitable for the participant(s) and their goals.
* Undertake pre-activity screening and health and safety checks when leading group sessions/classes.
* Lead groups using appropriate communication methods and instructing styles and apply suitable group management techniques when instructing participants.
Training schedule
Off the job training will be delivered on site, with some exceptions (I.e. no standard day-release/college attendance required).
•NVQ Level 2 Leisure Team Member
•National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
•Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching)
•Level 2 SWIMMING TEACHER or STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
•Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instructing
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 2 or E)
* Maths (grade 2 or E)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
Must be physically fit enough to perform a series of essential aquatic skills, including diving into deep water, swimming 50 meters in under 60 seconds, swimming 100 meters continuously on your front and back, treading water for 30 seconds, performing a surface dive to the pool floor, and climbing out of the pool unaided.