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Big Conversation – big ambitions


sam coulstock is careers director of The Springboard Charity and Springboard UK


RaPs pilot phase to launch in January


SkillsActive has launched the new Register of Aquatic Professional s (RAPs), an independent register for those employed in the aquatics sector. RAPS will be operated by


F


or a few years now we have been hearing lots about youth unemploy- ment, the lack of apprenticeships and the need for work experience.


Te hospitality industry is leading the way in tackling these critical issues which face not only our industry but all of the UK PLC. To bring this to life and to make pledges for the future of our industry, a programme of events called the Big Conversations are hap- ping all over the UK. Te Big Conversation in Hospitality is


a joint initiative between Business in the Community, BHA and Springboard. It brings together influential industry leaders from top hospitality businesses and young people (who are or have been unemployed, on work experience or on an apprentice- ship) to stimulate an important dialogue on employability skills, work experience and apprenticeships. The purpose being to understand the


business case for each; the drivers for young people; the opportunities and barriers; how to make introductions to the workplace meaningful, relevant and inspiring; and, most importantly, prospects for employ- ment. So why is this important? Youth unemployment is at its highest


for decades, yet there is a wealth of tal- ent and potential waiting to be tapped; the government is looking to industry to drive economic recovery and the hospitality industry is in a position to be a key player to stimulate growth, but hitherto has not capitalised as much as it could on attract- ing domestic talent. Work experience, apprenticeships and ini-


tiatives to support unemployed people into jobs are critical to cementing a talent pipe- line but all three are oſten misunderstood or underrated. Te Big Conversation is a tried and tested model and is an opportu- nity for industry leaders and young people to break down barriers and help supply to meet demand. So it’s now time to act. Join us at a Big


Conversation near you and make a differ- ence for the future of our industry.


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SkillsActive, with support provided by key partners from industry; the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). Building on the suc- cess of the existing Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), the new register will initially be launched in England, followed by roll outs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Te pilot phase will launch in January 2013


Te pilot phase is set to launch across England in January 2013


individuals hold relevant qualifications required for the job they undertake. For employers, RAPs will provide clar-


to test the new system, raise awareness across the industry and enable employers and indi- viduals to engage in its development. Te full register will be launched later in 2013. RAPs has been developed to increase pro-


fessionalism in the sector and support the general public. It will become the single qual- ification framework structure for the industry, which will provide assurance that registered


ity, structure to training and Continued Professional Development, supporting their workforce to develop within the sector. Ian Taylor, CEO of SkillsActive, said: “RAPs


marks a significant development for the aquatic industry and supports employers, individuals and the general public. • If you’d like to be involved in the RAPs pilot, visit www.aquaticregister.org to register.


Arts sector jobs ‘going unclaimed’


Cultural and creative employ- ers are finding it hard to recruit the employees they need – despite more than one million young people in the UK being currently unemployed. According to Arts Council


England (ACE), the worrying trend means that the sector is at risk of losing an entire generation of talent. To tackle the issue, ACE


has launched its Creative Employment Programme, designed to support up to 6,500 new apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and paid internships across the sector. The scheme aims to provide young


Arts Council England has expressed concern about losing a generation The Arts Council commissioned Skills


unemployed people (aged 16-24) with paid opportunities to gain access to on the job train- ing, skills and experience, linking to one of the Arts Council goals of creating fairer entry routes into the arts and cultural sector and increasing workforce diversity.


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


Academy, with a grant of up to £15m, to deliver the programme, which will directly benefit unemployed young people. The grant for the provision of this pro-


gramme will run from December 2012 to March 2015. Details: http://lei.sr?a=E6m8c


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012


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