This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
TRAiNiNG


Just Perfect for Springboard


GARETH EDWARDS is education director of The Springboard Charity and Springboard UK


YMCAfit merges with Northern Fitness


YMCA Fitness Industry Training (YMCAfit) is plan- ning to expand into northern England following a merger with the health and fitness units of Professional Fitness and Education (PFE). Leeds-based PFE will now


I


nnovation and expertise don’t always go hand in hand, but sometimes you come across an individual or a group who seem to have got it just right. Springboard are working in Wales with


one such company – Just Perfect Catering – which has really made inroads into the food service management sector by ensuring that around 95 per cent of supplies are locally sourced and sustainable. Te company also uses this philosophy when employing as many local youngsters as possible. Just Perfect’s commitment towards its


community hasn’t gone unnoticed in its South Wales home, having been nominated for the Most Promising Business Growth in 2011. Tat’s why the link to Springboard’s FutureChef and Summer School is such an obvious one for Just Perfect as our pipeline of enthusiastic, talented young people are just what a local company wants. Springboard has already had mentoring


of the highest quality from executive chef David Owens, who has made it something of a crusade to ensure anyone under his tutorship inherits skills of the highest order. Similarly, Springboard’s Summer School programme, which has run in the Cardiff area for seven years, has been given the chance to look at expanding the work expe- rience programme in hospitality to tie in with the development of business that Just Perfect have planned. Tis ensures candi- dates can see the food service management side of the industry as well as the more tra- ditional hotel and restaurant operation. Te long term strategy for Springboard


and Just Perfect is to create an alliance that not only promotes indigenous produce and the best way to use it, but also integrates employment opportunities for people as the company expands its contract base and helps address employment issues affecting not only Wales, but the whole of the UK. It’s pleasing to report such a positive


message from a blossoming business in a time when there seems to be a lot of gloom and doom about. It’s certainly a case of Just Perfect for Springboard... and Wales.


18


become part of YMCAfit and operate under the YMCAfit name. YMCAfit will retain all 13 PFE staff, including Christine North-Minchella – the owner of the PFE brand. North-Minchella will take


the role of YMCAfit Regional Manager for the North of England while all PFE stu- dents will become YMCAfit students. Denise Page, director of YMCAfit, said: “As


YMCAfit director Denise Page said the move will expand PFE’s reach


well as expanding PFE’s profile and reach this will enable PFE students to take advantage of


a whole host of additional YMCAfit courses. We particularly value the local expertise which PFE tutors can bring and believe there’s a real synergy between our two organisations.”


CIC backs cultural sector skills report


The Creative Industries Council (CIC) has endorsed a new report outlining a series of recommendations for the improvement of training and talent development for people working within the sector. Skillset, the sector skills


council for the creative indus- tries, was formed by the CIC to look at skills issues. Among the 17 recommen-


dations for both the sector and the government is the creation of an online profes- sional learning network for employers and individuals. A reform of the ICT syllabus in schools to


Recommendations included reforming the arts syllabus at schools


comprise computer science, arts and/or a cre- ative subject has also been proposed, along with a single careers resource for the sector. Skillset chief executive officer Dinah Caine


said: “Our report was developed with extensive input from the creative industries, ensuring


that its findings are an accurate reflection of the needs and ambitions of the businesses it seeks to help. “Te CIC and Government fully endorsed


the report and have charged us with continuing to lead in the implementation of these recom- mendations.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=G9A4q


Premier Training International to open five new venues


Premier Training International (PTI) has announced that it will open five new UK ven- ues in the first half of the year as part of an ongoing expansion strategy for the provider. New training centres in Exeter and Sheffield are scheduled to launch during the next couple


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital


of months, with three more sites in Teddington, Chigwell and Bath to open by the summer. Te additional facilities will join the existing


PTI portfolio, which offer fitness professionals the chance to enhance existing skills, as well as helping those looking to change careers.


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012


image: 6348103963/shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24