Diving Into Opportunities: Free Lifeguard Training Opens Doors for Young Edinburgh Talent

Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with The King's Trust, is offering an exciting opportunity for young people aged 16-30 to launch a career in lifeguarding through a comprehensive free training programme starting in February 2025.

Programme Highlights

The innovative 'Get into Lifeguarding' initiative provides a structured pathway to employment, featuring:

• A pre-selection day with a swim test
• Free 1-week National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course
• One week of work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure pool venues
• Mentorship from experienced staff
• Job interview preparation
• Up to six months of post-programme support
• Reimbursed travel expenses and lunches

Programme Timeline

• w/c 3 February 2025: Pre-selection Day
• 17 - 21 February 2025: NPLQ Course
• 24 – 28 February 2025: Work Experience at an Edinburgh Leisure venue
• Dates TBC: Interview Experience and Celebration Event

Franek Karwacki, 18, from Trinity, is one of the last cohort’s success stories. He’d left Trinity High School in summer 2024 with outstanding A-grade Highers and had been working part-time in a fish and chip shop. 

Unlike many of his peers who pursued immediate university education, Franek chose an alternative path. Encouraged by his father, he applied to the 'Get Into Lifeguarding Course' the King’s Trust offered in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, viewing it as an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.

“Unlike my university-bound friends who are burning through their savings, I’m earning a steady income. The shift work doesn’t bother me, and I quite enjoy the earlies, starting at 5:30 am and ending at 2 pm, as it gives me time to pursue my passion for basketball,” he says.

The programme has opened a door he hadn't even considered before. "I hadn't necessarily thought about lifeguarding as a career path," Franek admitted, "but now I've gained skills that were completely paid for and got a job. The support from both Edinburgh Leisure and the King's Trust had transformed what could have been an uncertain period into a real opportunity.”

Alyson Coats, Manager at Leith Victoria Swim Centre and responsible for the partnership, emphasised the programme's broader mission:  “This initiative is a win-win. We're providing young people with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially launch a career in the leisure industry. For many young people, like Franek, this could be life-changing for them.”

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by Friday, 24 January 2025:

• Email: centralsoutheastscotlandoperations@kingstrust.org.uk
• Website: King's Trust website
• Phone: 0800 842 842
  

Spaces are limited to 10 participants. Don't miss this life-changing opportunity!

-Ends

About The King's Trust

The King’s Trust supports young people from disadvantaged communities, helping them develop essential life skills and access job opportunities. Since its founding in 1976, the organisation has supported over a million young people across the UK, with three in four recent participants moving into work, education, or training.