Case Study

ICON Training is one of the leading training providers offering Apprenticeships in sport and the active leisure industry throughout England and Wales.

Apprenticeship programmes delivered by ICON Training range from leisure operations, leadership and management to coaching, fitness instruction, personal training and customer service.

These Apprenticeship routes offer individuals the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as well as industry recognised qualifications whilst at the same time earning a salary and starting a career in the industry.

ICON have a strong reputation for quality delivery among employers of various sizes, ranging from that of small local leisure centres to major national leisure providers, resulting in high success rates in apprentices achieving their qualifications.

A recent local example of such success has occurred at Carterton Leisure Centre, managed by Nexus Community, in the case of 20 year-old Robert Gunn.

Robert explained: “I started my first Apprenticeship in August 2009 with ICON Training and it has helped me develop and progress my career from being a Leisure Assistant to a Duty Manager of a centre.”

Robert and his employer, Nexus Community, have found both the ICON staff and the method of delivery to meet their needs in regards to the industry they operate in really helpful and understanding of the challenges it possesses.

He said: “Completing these qualifications alongside working at the centre has given me the experience and knowledge required to become a manager of a leisure centre.

“The staff from ICON Training are very friendly and approachable at any time of the day, which has really helped me develop as I have to work shift hours for the company,” said Robert.

Nexus Community hs also been pleased with Robert’s achievements and progression onto an Advanced Apprenticeship to continue his development.

“My first Apprenticeship was the Level 2 in Operational Services while I was a leisure assistant, then as I became a supervisor, I enrolled on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Leisure Management,” Robert said.

“Both qualifications have helped me in my job role as they have provided me with confidence, and I have acquired all the up-to date information required to be a successful manager.”

Robert added: “The Apprenticeship has helped me aspire to be a better manager for my staff and has given me the skills I need to progress on to become a general manager of a leisure centre and with both my employer Nexus supporting me in my training needs and with the help of ICON I feel I can now achieve them.”

Robert’s manager said: “By doing the courses it has benefited the future of apprentices within the leisure industry in developing their skills, knowledge and experiences.”

Ben Border, Nexus Partnership manager, explained: "The Apprenticeship programme has helped develop Robert with new skills that he has instantly transferred into the work place. The programme is complementing our own training and giving our staff more knowledge and confidence within the industry.”

ICON Training is supporting the 100 in 100 campaign. Please call 0844 8002280 if you’re interested in Apprenticeships.

ICON

ICON Training is now recognised as one of the leading training providers in the sport and active leisure sector.

ICON has a portfolio of clients based throughout England and Wales ranging from major national leisure providers to councils and local single site facilities.

With a strong reputation for quality recognised in recent Ofsted Inspections and supported by high achievement and success rates and winning national awards, ICON is currently one of the market-leaders in developing delivery to meet the needs of employer and learners, and this is supported by the company ethos.

To be the best through innovation, excellence and by putting our learners and employer partners first. We are an employer-led organisation for people in the active sport and leisure sector to develop competencies through innovative learning solutions with the aim of unlocking potential for both employee and employer for the benefit of customers.

Let ICON Training help your organisation ‘Unlock your Potential’ and contact us on 0844 8002280.