STUDENT SPECIAL
more senior level, oſt en these courses do not provide the vocational skills needed for the hands on approach required at grassroots level. For example, a student leaving univer- sity with a degree in sports science will still need to achieve a vocational qualifi cation in fi tness instruction or complete a bridg- ing course before being recognised by REPS and able to work on the gymfl oor. Vocational training therefore off ers a real practical advantage.” So could this practical, vocational advan-
tage mean a university degree is redundant when looking for work in leisure? Not nec- essarily, says Dillon, who suggests that graduates can bring diff erent qualities to industry positions, allowing them to explore various positions within organisations. “Graduates joining the leisure industry
with a qualifi cation such as a sports science degree have the fl exibility to work within a variety of roles including marketing, sales and aquatics,” says Dillon. “T is allows them to explore diff erent aspects of an organisa- tion before deciding to concentrate on a specifi c area. Another advantage is that grad- uates can oſt en advance quickly within a business and be fast-tracked to supervisory and management roles.”
Graduate management schemes Large organisations are oſt en keen to make use of graduates with a well-rounded
James Flaherty
Where are you working and what is your position? I am currently working at Hatfi eld Swim Centre for Finesse Leisure Partnership. My current position is a fi tness instructor. What does your day-to-day role include? My day to day role includes performing gym inductions for new members and reviewing programmes for existing members as well as ensuring the gym is clean and safe for users. What attracted you to the leisure industry? I began to learn about basic training principles and wanted to fi nd an industry that would cater for my interests. What attracted you to this particular sector? I fi nd that the public sector off ers a much better close-knit, client friendly environment and not just out to make money for itself. How easy was it to fi nd a job? At fi rst it was diffi cult to fi nd a job with zero experience but as part of my course I performed work experience at my current gym. I then enquired about starting as a casual gym staff mem- ber. I slowly worked more and more hours each month until a full time position became available. How did you enter the industry? What training course did you do before your fi rst job? I entered aſt er performing work experience for the same com- pany. T e work experience was part of both my Level 2 NVQ & CYQ fi tness instructor course and Level 3 NVQ & CYQ personal
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knowledge of the leisure industry and there- fore provide management schemes for those with a degree to develop leading positions within their businesses. T ese schemes are available across diff erent leisure sectors, ranging from health and fi tness through to hospitality and attractions. “T ere are a number of organisations
which off er graduate trainee management schemes,” adds Dillon. “T ese training pro- grammes for graduates will include practical work experience in all aspects of leisure provision through to management. In addi- tion, training programmes oſt en include attendance on recognised external train- ing courses. Whilst employment cannot be guaranteed at the end, opportunities are obviously enhanced through gaining valuable on-the-job experience and new qualifi cations.” Some of the most popular graduate man-
agement schemes include those off ered by Merlin Entertainment for attractions and Parkwood Leisure for health and fi tness, while most large hotel management compa- nies also off er numerous opportunities for graduates to develop managerial roles.
Impressing employers As with most industries, qualifi cations can only get prospective employees so far and the same goes for leisure. T ose looking for a job in the fi eld will also need to be able to
trainer. I studied both of these courses full time at Oaklands College, Smallford. How well do you think your training prepared you for a career in leisure? I believe I was well prepared via my training courses as the NVQ required the work experience needed for performing gym induc- tions with clients that I had previously never met. Have you attended any training arranged by your current employer? Finesse is very pro active in learning opportunities. I have been on various courses from fi rst aid to Level 4 Nutrition. What advice would you have for school leavers looking to get into the industry? Volunteer at a local gym to help build experience and become recognised to aid potential employment opportunities. Is there anything you would do diff erently if given the chance? I can’t think of anything I would do diff erently. Is working in the leisure industry what you expected? T e shiſt work was a bit of a shock to the system at fi rst but I quickly adapted to the early starts and late fi nishes. What are the best aspects of the leisure industry? Meeting new people every day and making an impact on their life just by sharing your knowledge and experience. And the worst? T e worst aspect of the industry would have to be working an early shiſt aſt er a night out!
Read Leisure Opportunities online:
www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2013
Graduates in the industry must be fl exible and willing to work in a variety of roles such as sales and aquatics
CASE STUDY
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