16-18? Want excellent job prospects in the fitness and leisure industry AND industry recognised qualifications? In only 15 weeks you can achieve all this.

Sounds too good to be true, right? It's not. With our government funded training, your prospects of getting your dream job as a Lifeguard or Leisure Operations apprentice just got a whole lot easier. So if you have always dreamed of going to work in your trainers, look no further...

What will I learn?

You will complete a 3 week full-time (Mon-Fri 9-5) course giving you all the skills and knowledge required to work as a lifeguard, activity leader, assistant sports coach or recreation assistant in a leisure centre, sports or health club. In the first two weeks you'll be in the classroom with a tutor learning about the active leisure industry. You'll be introduced to leisure operations, group and health related activity leadership and sports coaching. There's a lot to take in but our tutors will ensure you have all the tools and information you need to get there.

Your third week is spent poolside! We take you to a local swimming pool and give you the skills and practical experience you need to qualify and a lifeguard gaining your NPLQ level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool Supervision and Rescue.

When can I start work?

As soon as you've completed the 3 week classroom course you can work as an activity leader, recreation assistant, assistant sports coach or lifeguard in a leisure centre or health club. Your tutor and student placement officer will support you in finding this first job and by visiting you to complete your training to achieve your NVQ level 2 Award in Activity Leadership. You may also take up paid or voluntary work experience where employed roles are not yet available. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and show your potential employer just how good you are. And Lifetime will be with you every step of the way.

What would I earn?

Your starting salary in a junior role in the leisure industry would range between £10,000 and £14,000.

How long is the working day?

You would usually work 40 hours a week or part time as required. It is typically shift work, for example 6am-2pm, 11am-7pm or 2pm-10pm.

What's involved?

No two days are the same; duties include sports hall set up, lifeguarding and reception cover. One thing is for sure you'll work with a team of young like-minded people, so your day will never be dull! If you're poolside you will be responsible for the safety and conduct of the swimmers in the pool. You may be required to set up and run an activity programme for children or adults or sometimes support the team in the crèche. Wherever you are stations the work is physical but very rewarding.

What are the benefits?

You get to work in your trainers with a young like-minded people, so there's plenty of opportunity to increase your social circle! Being a lifeguard or leisure attendant is a fantastic start for a career in the leisure industry, you can quickly climb the ranks to become a manager.

What qualifications do I need?

To become a leisure attendant or lifeguard you will need an NPLQ level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool Supervision, you will also need a level 2 Award in Activity Leadership. Both these qualifications will be covered by the Lifeguard and Leisure Operations apprenticeship.

What are the career opportunities?

There are a wide range of routes you can take within a health club, gym or leisure centre. You could train to become an advanced Fitness Instructor or personal trainer, or train to run the facilities by becoming a duty manager or fitness manager. As a lifeguard you could go on to train to become a swimming teacher or a professional lifeguard. If it's the activity leader role that really takes your fancy you could go on to develop a career in playwork or teaching at summer camps. Or if it's sports coaching that you're passionate about you can continue to train in this area. There are so many options with this apprenticeship the world is your oyster!