Published: 13 May 2021

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) are delighted to announce that they have been selected as a partner provider, for the Active Apprentice Sector Skills Academies for Sport project, launched this week, in collaboration with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

Created to support young people based in England and aged 19-years-old or over, the project targets those seeking employment in the sport and physical activity sector.

“With people unfairly impacted by job losses in the wake of the pandemic, this funded training opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time,” explains Jo Talbot, RLSS UK’s Commercial Director.

“Lifeguarding, at a pool or the beach, is a flexible, sociable and inclusive job that equips a person with the skills and the confidence to step into an emergency situation, make a difference and even save a life.

“We’re calling on all our Trainer Assessors, Approved Training Centres and Approved Training Providers to reach out and engage locally, encouraging people aged 19 or over to apply and ultimately, enhance their communities with a new generation of lifesavers.”

The scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Adult Education Budget with an initial administration fee, learners will have the opportunity to access courses that are most relevant to, and in demand by the sport and physical activity sector, with the potential to gain transferable skills and sustainable employment in areas such as

• Beach Lifeguarding
• Pool Lifeguarding
• Education and Training within Sport
• Swim Teaching
• Personal Training
• Gym Instruction
• Health Navigator
• Mental Health Awareness and First Aid
• Swim Teaching
• Pool Management

Throughout the training period, learners can be assured of access to both face-to-face and online teaching opportunities, supporting them with everything they need to gain the skills and knowledge for their chosen training route, and to achieve the learning outcomes set by the college. And post-programme, assessments can still be taken if the learner opts to pursue a career opportunity further, which can then either be funded by themselves or their employer.

Robert Gofton, RLSS UK’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “This is fantastic news and such an important initiative.

“A few months ago, we set out to remove economic, social and cultural barriers that have prevented people from becoming lifeguards and lifesavers. Projects like this will help improve diversity and social inclusion, which will also help to protect our communities.

“I am immensely proud of the RLSS UK team and grateful to Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Active Apprentice, who have come together to make this happen.”

For more information on funded training for Active Apprentice’s Sector Skills Academies for Sport project: https://www.rlss.org.uk/funded-training-available-now