traInIng academy to deliver KidzMove resources


Active IQ Academy has been selected to deliver the eLearn- ing and online resources as part of instructor training for FitPro’s new children’s fitness product, KidzMove. Launched by FitPro with


television brand LazyTown last year, KidzMove is to be delivered in clubs across the country with tailor-made pro- grammes for young people. It aims to tackle childhood obesity in the UK through promoting physical activity. FitPro global commercial


director Andy Jackson said: “[KidzMove] will be a mas- sive boost to the fitness industry as we play our part in improving the nation’s health.” Active IQ Academy director Yvonne Cooper added: “Te academy’s eLearning and online


KidzMove is the result of a partnership between FitPro and LazyTown


resources will give the instructors the tools to make sure their knowledge levels and training delivery are exceptional.” Details: http://bit.ly/Aw2zZ7


Leisure apprentice numbers surge


New figures from SkillsActive have reported a 600 per cent increase in the number of apprentices working in the sport and active leisure indus- tries over the last six year. SkillsActive said that the


figures – released to coincide with National Apprenticeships Week (6-12 February) – show more employers are now realising the value of such programmes to their firms. In the 12 months to last


September, SkillsActive issued 9,342 Apprenticeship certifi- cates, compared to the 1,271 certificates issued in the 12 months ending September 2006. SkillsActive interim chief executive officer


SkillsActive has issued a growing number of Apprenticeship certificates Kalirai said: “It enables employers running


Suki Kalirai said apprenticeship programmes are not limited to larger employers, but avail- able to small- and medium-sized firms with the help of the Group Training Association.


small to medium enterprises to group together and access funded training. “This training is delivered through


SkillsActive’s network of approved National Skills Academy training providers.” Details: http://bit.ly/yb61Hd


Students to benefit from GBP2m casino overhaul


Students from Warwickshire and Hinckley College are to benefit from the completion of an extensive £2m refurbishment of Rainbow Casino in Birmingham, West Midlands. A scheme has launched to offer students an introduction to the sector through a gaming


© CYBERTREK 2012


academy; apprenticeship opportunities; and job openings upon completion of courses. Rainbow Casino established the link aſter


expanding its facilities, with its Clarendon res- taurant to be revamped in April. Details: http://bit.ly/ydZymK


Twitter: @leisureopps


Apprenticeships can benefit any employer


SUKI KalIraI is interim chief executive officer of SkillsActive


L


ast week (6-12 February) saw the 5th National Apprenticeship Week – a time to celebrate, as well as an opportunity to encourage individ-


uals and employers to take up the unique learning and business opportunities that are associated with Apprenticeships. Te number of Apprenticeships within


the sport and active leisure sector has already increased by more than 600 per cent over the past six years, as well as by 90 per cent in the hair and beauty sec- tor. And with increased financial benefits recently made available by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), those fig- ures look set to grow. Te NAS has pledged to provide up to 40,000 grants worth up to £1,500 to small- to medium-sized employ- ers that recruit 16- to 24-year-olds. Traditionally, many sports and leisure


sector firms may not have thought of Apprenticeships. In the year to September 2011, however, SkillsActive issued 9,342 Apprenticeship certificates, which com- pares to 1,271 in 2006. Apprenticeships have always been popular within the hair and beauty industry and have grown from 6,454 in 2006 to 12,264 in 2011. We know from our experience that


Apprenticeships are an extremely successful way to recruit, develop and retain effective employees. Tere are 13 frameworks avail- able in the sport and active leisure sector in England, covering many roles. SkillsActive has designed each one in consultation with employers, to ensure they provide the skills businesses need to grow and develop. Our Group Training Association allows


employers running small- to medium-sized firms to group together and access funded training that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Tis training is delivered through SkillsActive’s network of approved National Skills Academy training providers. I would encourage all employers to con-


sider taking on an Apprentice. Please talk to one of SkillsActive’s account managers about how Apprenticeships could work. Details: http://bit.ly/yb61Hd


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 17


image: kzenon/shutterstock.com


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