TRAINING Apprenticeship funding is under review


Te government has revealed radical new proposals in a shake-up of the way appren- ticeships are funded. Te new scheme would see


employers funded directly in order to purchase the appren- ticeship training they want, as part of proposals to give busi- nesses more control. Te plans, announced by


business secretary Vince Cable, will give employers the freedom to choose the train- ing that’s most relevant to the needs of their apprentices and businesses and which repre- sents the best value for money. Three options have been


I Changes to apprenticeships could hit training providers’ cashflow


suggested; the first of which is a direct payment model, which would involve businesses registering apprentices and report ing claims for government funding through a new online system. Funds would then be paid from the government directly to employers. Te second option would see the use of a


PAYE payment model. Businesses would reg- ister apprentices through a new online system


and then recover government funding for their training through their PAYE return. The final option would see government


funding continuing to be paid to training pro- viders, but they would only be able to draw it down when they receive the employer’s financial contribution towards the training. Details: http://lei.sr?a=u9F4s


RLSS adds new first aid qualifications


Te Royal LifeSaving Society UK (RLSS UK) and IQL have announced four additions to the RLSS UK qualifications portfolio, following a con- sultation with operators in the leisure sector. Te qualifications have been


developed to cater for all first aid staff training needs, both on and off the poolside, while supporting the needs of the leisure industry and meeting the requirements of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Tara Dillon, executive


Ensuring the industry is filled with professionals


IAN TAYLOR is chief executive of SkillsActive


n the 12 months since London 2012, two key questions are often raised when the topic of Olympic legacy is thrown up: how has sports and phys-


ical activity participation changed and how has the London 2012 Olympic Games impacted on employment in our sector? SkillsActive can answer these ques-


tions in relation to its role as the National Workforce Partner to Sport England. In addressing the question of sports par-


ticipation – through working with National Governing Bodies and grassroots deliverers, as well as offering expert coaching advice and professional development, we see more and more people commit to sport, and there’s no doubt London 2012 played a part. This change is confirmed by Sport


England’s latest participation figures, which have shown a 1.4 million rise in sports par- ticipation since the Olympic bid was won in 2005, with over 15 million people currently taking part in sport each week. Providing structured, insightful and


enjoyable sports and physical activity is the only way to ensure sustainable engagement, and this is what has been happening across the country in a range of sports. When it comes to the matter of London


2012 and employment, we’ve seen it acting as a catalyst to raise awareness of careers in sport and physical activity and change attitudes towards these jobs. We’re working with industry stakehold-


Tere are 90,000 RLSS UK Pool Lifeguards


director at IQL, believes there are many staff in sport and leisure centres and health clubs who could benefit from first aid training, such as receptionists, gym instruc- tors and duty managers. “Employees in these roles don’t necessarily


need to complete a full NPLQ, but they could benefit from our standalone three-day, Level 3, First Aid at Work course,” said Dillon. Existing RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Trainer


Assessors who meet the prerequisite require- ments can apply to deliver the First Aid at


© CYBERTREK 2013


Work qualification to other employees on site. From October 2013, the team at RLSS


UK and IQL UK will be one of 13 awarding organisations in the UK which are certified to deliver these new Ofqual-accredited First Aid qualifications for leisure. Qualifications include: combined NPLQ /


First Aid at Work; Level 2 First Aid at Work (one day); Level 3 First Aid at Work (three day); and Level 3 First Aid at Work renewal (two day). Details: http://lei.sr?a=O1Y6j


Twitter: @leisureopps


ers to ensure young people have a route into employment, and that there is a system in place to maximise their career potential. We’ve developed a career pathway for


individuals, from learner through to CEO: traineeships offer work experience to 16 year olds. Tese are followed by apprentice- ships, which in turn can lead to the uptake of accredited training courses. Finally, this can lead to qualified professionals joining one of the SkillsActive registers. Tere’s been a drive and focus on the reg-


isters because professionalisation is a must in these industries and will assure credibil- ity for employers, employees and the public.


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


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