National Apprenticeship Week - Investing in Future Talent

El (left) and Max (right)

Developing people is a key part of how we support our communities, and apprenticeships play an important role in that journey.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we're proud to highlight the impact apprenticeships are having across our organisation, helping colleagues build skills, confidence and long term careers within the leisure sector.

Supporting development through apprenticeships

We have been working in partnership with COPA since 2023, and we currently have seven employees undertaking apprenticeship programmes across a range of roles. These include Level 3 Duty Manager apprenticeships, alongside Team Leader and Personal Trainer pathways.

Apprenticeships are a core part of our People Plan, particularly within our focus on colleague development. By investing in "home grown" talent, we aim to create progression opportunities for our team while strengthening the future of our workforce.

The apprenticeship structure provides a strong balance between practical experience and structured learning. Colleagues gain valuable on the job training while also dedicating time each week to study, supporting different learning styles and helping people grow both technically and personally.

Real growth in real roles

One example is El Bunn, Duty Manager at Pershore Leisure Centre, who began her Level 3 Duty Manager apprenticeship in April 2025.

El says:

"The apprenticeship is a great way to learn and work at the same time. I have six hours per week to sit and study, and at the same time I am learning on the job from colleagues. Already I am seeing the learning helping me with the Duty Manager role."

Stories like El's show how apprenticeships can make an immediate difference, building confidence and strengthening skills that support colleagues in their day to day roles.

Looking ahead

Jon Whiteley, our Head of Human Resources explains:

"Apprenticeships have provided an excellent hybrid of learning on the job and structured study, which caters for all learning styles. We can see colleagues grow in their roles as a direct result of these programmes, both in technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.

We believe the future of the leisure sector will increasingly rely on apprenticeships. They are a proven, cost effective way to develop competence and confidence, and we're already exploring opportunities in areas such as Finance, Human Resources and Business Administration."

Strong partnerships that support success

Working closely with training providers is a key part of making apprenticeships successful. We have benefited from ongoing support from COPA, with regular progress updates and guidance helping to ensure each apprentice stays on track and is supported throughout their journey.

Building the future together

Apprenticeships allow us to invest in people while strengthening the long term future of the leisure industry. By creating opportunities for colleagues to learn, grow and progress, we're helping build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, now and in the years ahead.