NCL Apprenticeship awards 2010
29/06/2010
Nine young adults from Northumberland are well on the way towards their chosen careers in sport and leisure, being the first to complete the North Country Leisure Apprenticeship Scheme for 2009 - 2010. The group received their certificates at a recent awards ceremony, held at Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham, presented by Executive Director (North) of the Skills Funding Agency, Chris Roberts.
Thomas Bland and Matthew Appleby completed their on the job training at Prudhoe Waterworld, Dale Herron and Michael Lawley at Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre in Alnwick, Stephanie Roberts at Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre, James Shields at Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham and Warren Lumsden, Charlotte Oliver and Jamie York all completed their Activity Leadership Apprenticeships through NCL’s Sports Development Team in North and West Northumberland.
The participants are already reaping the benefits of their hard work during the year long programme. Several have moved on to further education or jobs in their chosen field, including full time positions at the leisure centre they trained in. One apprentice is even pursuing an exciting scholarship abroad thanks to the qualifications and skills learned throughout the scheme.
Chris Roberts, Executive Director (North) of the Skills Funding Agency, said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to congratulate all of North Country Leisure’s apprentices on their success and fantastic achievement. I wish them all every success in their future careers.
“Apprenticeships offer a huge range of benefits, both for individuals who are looking to develop their skills and for employers looking to build a high quality workforce. They bring a host of measurable business benefits such as increased productivity and staff motivation and new innovation and ideas.”
It and Training Manager for NCL, Shirley Brown said “As well as being hugely beneficial to young people to help them on their way to future careers, Apprenticeships are also proving an invaluable asset to local employers. We are always looking for more businesses to satisfy the level of interest for Apprenticeship placements we get each year.
“It opens several doors for the apprentices, including jobs with their employer and further education. The employer gains an enthusiastic apprentice with a passion for the industry which will hopefully lead to an ongoing position in the future.”
To search and apply for current Apprenticeship vacancies, please go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk and register on the Apprenticeship vacancies system.