Wave Leisure Training Academy
Apprenticeship Scheme
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Introduction
Wave Leisure Trust Ltd (Wave) was formed in 2006 as a registered charitable company
limited by guarantee. The Trust manages eight facilities on behalf of Lewes District Council,
East Sussex County Council, and in partnership with Seaford Head School, Ringmer
Community College, Priory School and Newhaven Town Council.
The Wave Team bring considerable experience in the management of all aspects of
community leisure, sports and recreation services and activities, such as leisure centres,
swimming pools, health and fitness suites and athletics tracks, as well as associated
activities.
Apprenticeship Scheme
We have operated an Apprenticeship scheme for the last few years and are now looking to
develop this further by increasing the number of Apprentices we take on each year. By
doing this we can broaden the opportunities available to young people in the local
community.
This is an exciting time to be joining Wave as we go through a period of significant change
and development, which will bring career progression opportunities to all of our staff.
The Apprenticeship Scheme provides you with work-based learning opportunities and
through our partnership with Albion in the Community, our recognised training partner; you
will have the opportunity for ‘off the job training’.
Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining nationally recognised qualifications within
the leisure industry and provide learners with a valuable workplace experience, gaining the
practical skills required within the workplace environment.
As an Apprentice you will receive a combination of ‘work based learning’ and ‘off the job
training’. Albion in the Community enables you to gain the knowledge and Wave provides
the opportunity for you to develop these skills within the workplace by providing the
opportunity for practical experience.
An Apprenticeship framework is made up of a competence based qualification (NVQ),
transferrable skills (key skills or functional skills) and a range of qualifications which give the
underpinning knowledge necessary to make Apprentices competent in their job roles and
allow for broader learning and development opportunities.
Where will I be based during my work based learning?
Our Apprenticeship programmes are based in one of our four main Centres:
 Lewes Leisure Centre
 Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford
 Peacehaven Leisure Centre
 Seahaven Swim and Fitness Centre, Newhaven
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
What qualifications will I be able to achieve?
Depending on where your Apprenticeship is based, you will have the opportunity to take
some of the following courses and/or qualifications:
 Leisure Operations Management
 National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
 NVQ (2) Customer Service
 Appointed Persons First Aid
 Defib Training
 Manual Handling
 COSHH
The qualifications will be fully funded and no financial contribution will be required from our
Apprentices. However, you will be asked to sign a training agreement that will require you to
repay a percentage of the training costs if you leave the Apprenticeship Scheme prior to
completion.
After your first year, you may have the opportunity to take further qualifications in other areas
such as:
 Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health
 Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
Induction
We realise that starting in a new job can be a daunting experience and we will work together
to help you settle in.
You will be provided with a Buddy to help you with questions you may have. They will help
you to settle into your work environment and be your liaison with the management team.
They are a dedicated group of people who are valuable to the company and have a wealth
of knowledge to share during your learning.
During your induction you will have the opportunity to meet with our Chief Executive, Duncan
Kerr, and to meet other Apprentices from different Centres so that you can network and
share experiences.
You will be provided with a full and thorough induction at your Centre where you will be
introduced to your colleagues, and which will include health and safety, evacuation
procedures and all the relevant policies and procedures.
Are there progression opportunities after my Apprenticeship?
Our Apprenticeship Scheme is the entry level into Wave Leisure and our aspiration is that all
Apprentices will move into contracted permanent employment once they complete the
programme. In the last 12 months, 90% of our Apprentices have moved into permanent
employment with the other 10% choosing to leave to pursue other careers.
When you have become a contracted permanent employee, there will be further
development and training opportunities provided through the Wave Leisure Training
Academy.
What happens if I don’t complete my Apprenticeship?
If you leave before you complete your apprenticeship then Wave will not be able to get
funding for your qualification. You will therefore be expected to refund £250.00 which is the
basic cost of the training investment. Other costs will be borne by Wave.
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Wave Training Academy
Apprenticeship Scheme
Permanent Contract
Aspiring Managers
Inspiring Managers
Performing
Managers
Entry Level
Second Level
Third Level
Fourth Level
Apprenticeship Scheme
 One year contract.
 Learn while you Earn.
 Gain nationally recognised qualifications.
 Foundation of work based learning.
 Supported by Albion in the Community.
 Excellent for CV.
Permanent Contract
After Apprenticeship Scheme, where possible the apprenticeship
post will move to a permanent contracted post, training would move
on to:
 Specific mandatory training for new role.
 Personal Effectiveness Training.
 Opportunity for mentoring new Apprentices.
 Personal Development Plans.
Aspiring Managers
The Wave Academy will run a program for our Aspiring Managers,
for those of you who have a driving ambition and passion to develop
a career and to progress through the organisation. Training will
include:
 Level 3 in Supervisory Management.
 Training in Corporate areas of the business - Finance, HR,
Marketing.
 How to successfully attend and hold meetings.
Inspiring Managers
To be a truly inspirational manager, it is important that you
understand how you behave and react and the impact that you can
have on those around you. By going through a journey of self
discovery, you will learn to understand and adapt to the
circumstances that you are faced with. This is a unique opportunity
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Fifth Level
for self development.
Performing Managers
Deputy and Corporate Managers will be on a path of continuous
learning through a number of different channels but will essentially
be required to be able to:
 Have a positive influence on the staff they manage
 Understand how their behaviour effects those around them
 Embrace the culture of an engaged workforce, truly
understanding the benefits that it brings
 Demonstrate their belief in the Values and Strategy of Wave
Leisure
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Terms and Conditions
During your Apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications,
experience and practical evidence of your ability which will provide you with an excellent
foundation into the leisure industry.
You will also have the following terms and conditions:
 One year training contract.
 30 hours a week work based learning which will include evenings, weekends and
bank holidays.
 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata.
 £3.25/hour work based learning salary.
 Entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay.
 Auto enrolment into Pension Scheme.
Benefits of being a Wave Leisure Employee
 Discounted staff membership.
 Annual Christmas Party.
 Regular communication to keep you up to date with what’s going on at Wave
through the HR Newsletter.
 Staff Reps available on site to help communication between staff and Corporate
Managers.
 Fully funded uniform provided.
 Volunteer opportunities to learn about different areas of the company.
 The opportunity for additional shifts to increase learning and earning.
Celebration of Achievement
 In conjunction with Albion in the Community we will hold an annual awards ceremony
to celebrate the achievement of your Apprenticeship.
 Albion in the Community will provide free tickets to the Amex Stadium subject to
achieving certain criteria.
 The opportunity to be entered for the National Apprenticeship Awards.
What makes a suitable Apprentice?
Wave recognise that you may not have experience or qualifications, so what we are looking
for is people who are:
 Enthusiastic
 Committed to learning
 Passionate about doing an excellent job
 Able to show initiative
 Team players
 Committed to deliver excellent customer service
What makes Wave a unique employer?
Wave are Passionate about People and the management team is committed to the
development of staff, we are excited to see progression through the organisation and people
learning new skills. We genuinely value the contribution of staff and actively seek their
opinions and feedback, recognising that often staff are better placed to see what customers
need, what needs to improve and make suggestions as to how we can change.
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Apprentice Profiles
Emily Martin – Modern Apprentice at Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford.
I started working for Wave Leisure at the age of just 16 years old as a
Casual Recreation Assistant. I have always led an active lifestyle and
have a keen interest and passion for competitive trampolining. I felt that
my work with Wave Leisure aligned itself closely with my progression in
sport, thus encouraging me to further my career and apply for the Modern
Apprentice position, for which I was successfully appointed.
Having been in the MA role for 10 months now, I feel that I have
developed my skill set within the leisure industry and equally grown in
confidence as an individual. I have recently made the decision to put my skills and
experience gained throughout my time at Wave to good and further use, and am due to start
my first ski season as ‘Hotel Assistant’ in Austria this December.
Lauren Brittain – Modern Apprentice at Lewes Leisure Centre
Lauren joined Wave Leisure Trust straight from college in July 2012
following a two year course in Health and Social Care.
Lauren’s original plans were to complete college and then look to apply for
University. However, during her time at college she realised that academia
and being classroom based wasn’t the best option for her and she started
to look at apprenticeships.
Working in a local supermarket helped her realise she wanted to work in a
customer focused environment and Wave Leisure Trust were advertising for their first
Customer Service Apprenticeship position.
Following a nervous but successful interview, Lauren started in position and commenced her
Level 2. During her Apprenticeship Lauren needed to complete a lot of independent learning.
“The support I received from my tutor was amazing as I found the discipline to study on my
own demanding. We met on a monthly basis and I was able to contact her any time either
through email, phone or text,” she says. “I was also really well supported by the other
receptionists at Lewes Leisure Centre”.
Since completing her apprenticeship Lauren has been covering maternity leave at Seahaven
Swim & Fitness Centre and started a permanent contract at Lewes in April. Lauren has also
received training to be a Membership Sales Advisor.
“My advice to anyone looking at an Apprenticeship would be to go for it and stick with it. It
allows you to work in a chosen field whilst learning about the position and gaining a
qualification directly related to the work you do. Working at Wave has opened many
opportunities for me”.
Jack Brechin – Modern Apprentice at Lewes Leisure Centre
I started working for Wave Leisure in December 2013 as a Modern
Apprentice at Lewes Leisure Centre. I originally applied for the job as I
have always been active and enjoyed being in a busy environment. I
thoroughly enjoy my role as it is varied and challenging. Working as a
Modern Apprentice has allowed me to develop my skills and gain valuable
experience within the leisure industry. I have recently been promoted to a
permanent contracted position of Leisure Attendant.
I studied BTEC sport at City College Brighton & Hove for 3 years. My plan
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
was to go on and study sport at University, but during my time at City College I realised that
further full time study was not for me.
I am an avid lover of football and I support my local team which is Brighton & Hove Albion
football club. I also strongly follow Brechin City Football Club.
Jade Smart – Modern Apprentice at Seahaven Swim and Fitness Centre
I started working for Wave Leisure as a Casual Lifeguard in November
2011 before obtaining the full time Modern Apprentice role in December
2013 after finishing college where I studied Level 3 BTEC in Sport.
I was interested in the Modern Apprentice role as I was keen to gain
additional qualifications and knowledge within the sport and leisure
industry.
My NVQ in leadership, employment awareness and coaching has helped me become a
Level 2 swimming teacher, something I enjoy doing as I am a keen swimmer.
Through hard work and good time management I passed my NVQ within 10 months and
have recently been promoted to the role of Leisure Attendant. I thoroughly enjoy my role as
a lifeguard and casual swimming teacher and aim to further my career within Wave by
training as a Casual Supervisor and Customer Services Advisor in the near future.
Jordan Davies – Lewis Leisure Centre
My career started with Wave Leisure after a successfully completing two
weeks of work experience on the Princes Trust programme. Working
within the Leisure Centre environment had always been an interest of
mine, the thought of being a Lifeguard was something new for me and I
was very keen to learn about the role.
I have been an Apprentice for 6 months now and whilst feel I know most of
what I need to know to complete my job role, there is more to learn every
time I come to work and am continually receiving more training.
How do I apply?
Please contact Nicola Nicholas, Head of Human Resources, on 01323 493063, or email
nicola.nicholas@waveleisure.co.uk to register your interest.
You will be sent a short form to complete on line and a specific job description for the
Apprenticeships that are currently available.
Alternatively there is an application form at the back of this information pack which you can
return by post or by email at the above address.
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Apprenticeship Scheme – Application for Placement
Surname
Forename
Address
Email Address
Telephone Number Home
Mobile
Present Employment:
Post Title:
Salary:
Notice Period:
Reason for Leaving:
Referees: Please give the names and addresses of two referees:
Referee 1:
Referee 2:
Employment History: Please list your past employers, starting with your most recent and
work backwards.
From
To
Employer
Position
Reason for Leaving
Wave Leisure Trust
“Inspiring Active Lifestyles”
Please describe why you would like to have a placement on the Wave Leisure
Apprenticeship Scheme:
Please provide details of your training and education:
From
To
School
Exams passed and grades
Where did you see this vacancy advertised?
Declaration:
I declare that the information given is true and I understand that canvassing of trustees or
staff directly will invalidate this application. NB please declare any relationship to employees
or trustees of Wave Leisure.
Signature: ............................................................. Date: .......................................................