In collaboration with The Prince's Trust, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging young people aged 16-30 years to apply to join a free ‘Get Into Lifeguarding with Edinburgh Leisure’ training course starting in February 2024.

The initial pre-selection day will take place at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on 8^th February 2024, after which selected candidates will be invited to take part in the free 3-week course. There are 10 places being offered.

The pre-employment programme aims to help young people aged 16-30 years get into jobs, education, and training, with a focus on becoming a lifeguard.  The programme includes a pre-selection day; a week’s work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘wet’ sites under the mentorship of an Edinburgh Leisure staff member, who has received ‘shadow buddy’ training in advance from Edinburgh Leisure’s Learning & Development team; an NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) course; and job interview opportunities. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and successful candidates receive up to six months of post-programme support.

Successful candidates would need to be available to take part in all the training days.  The programme schedule is:

8 February                            Pre-selection Day at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

19-23 February                    NPLQ course at Portobello Swim Centre

26 February – 1 March       Work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s venues

4 March                                  Interview experience

6 March Post-course celebration event at Meadowbank Sports Centre

Interested applicants should apply by Friday, 2^nd February 2024 to be considered for this opportunity. Email matthew.rooney@princes-trust.org.uk with their name, telephone number and email address or apply via the Princes Trust website or call 0800 842 842.

Alyson Coats, Manager at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and responsible for the partnership explained: “This will be the second time Edinburgh Leisure has run such a programme.  It’s a win-win – with young people having a great opportunity to learn with Edinburgh Leisure and gain valuable experience, which we hope sets them up for employment in the future, either with us or another opportunity in the leisure industry.  For many young people, this could be life-changing for them.”

Lorenzo D’Silva, who came through the first cohort in July 2023, and secured a job as a lifeguard at the Royal Commonwealth Pool upon finishing the course said: “The NPLQ course was only one week but the Prince’s Trust also allowed us to gain valuable skills in team building and interview techniques during the process which really helped when I was offered a job interview with Edinburgh Leisure. If you’ve not been in the mindset of getting a job it helps you to understand how to present yourself.

“I started working full-time in September at the Commie. It’s a great place to work with a great team. Everyone’s friendly and genuine and it’s a very inclusive place to work. There’s a great sense of camaraderie – like a big family, which is great as I come from one myself.”

The Prince’s Trust supports young people from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity. The courses offered help young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities.

Since The Trust was founded by HM The King in 1976, they have helped more than a million young people across the UK, and three in four of those supported over the last five years have moved into work, education or training.

Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842. 

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