A new line up of trainee gym instructors and recreation attendants will begin work at Burnley Council's leisure centres shortly, thanks to the college's Sports Apprenticeship.

Burnley College is the only training provider in East Lancashire to offer the NVQ in Instructing Exercise and Fitness, which will involve the apprentices working four days a week at St Peter's Centre, Spirit of Sport or Padiham Leisure Centre, and one day at college on day-release.

The apprentices will be taught sports and recreation skills, including life guard qualifications and first aid, and have the opportunity to study for a range of coaching qualifications.

Debbie McInnes, Burnley College Training Sport and Leisure Training Development Officer, said: "The Instructing Exercise and Fitness NVQ will enable apprentices to gain work experience in a gym or leisure centre, while gaining relevant qualifications and practical experience.

"At the end of the two-year programme, the apprentices will have gained the experience and qualifications necessary to secure employment as a gym or exercise instructor, or a sport and recreation attendant."

Burnley Council's Leisure Development Manager Paul Foster added: "In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to recruit good quality staff, particularly at school-leaver age.

"We identified that the best long-term approach to build a committed, well-trained workforce was to establish a training scheme which recruited individuals interested in pursuing a career in sport and recreation.

"We believe the Sports Apprenticeship will achieve this, and help us to reduce the need for seasonal and sickness cover, while giving motivated youngsters a kick start in a new career."

School-leavers interested in enrolling on the Sports Apprenticeship, or employers in the sport and recreation industry who want to find out more about recruiting an apprentice, can contact Debbie McInnes (711372).