Helping young people into employment is a priority at CMS Fitness Course and CMS Vocational Training.
As an approved apprentice and training provider for Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) since 2009, we have trained more than 200 learners including supporting more than 85 apprentices into customer service and health and fitness roles. These include lifeguards, gym instructors, activity activators and many others.
These annual figures have grown steadily since the partnership began and we are following a sustainable model to ensure that we can continue to help increasing numbers of young people into their chosen careers or to progress in their existing employment.
WHO IS KAL?
A major employer in Kirklees, ‘KAL’ provides jobs and training for many young people in West Yorkshire and has a successful apprenticeship pathway, which sets an excellent example to other local companies, whether SMEs or larger organisations (see our blog on CMS sponsor KAL Apprentice of the Year).
Operating as a charitable trust, KAL was first established in 2002 and today manages 13 leisure facilities and swimming pools for Kirklees Council. This includes the new £36m Huddersfield Leisure Centre. KAL employs more than 750 staff, of which 350+ are under the age of 25.
WHO BENEFITS?
In the past two years alone, our partnership with KAL has resulted in more than 30 learners being enrolled on an apprenticeship with KAL through CMS, with 50% of all apprentices aged between 16 and 18.
Learners training through CMS have gone on to achieve promotions, increase their salaries and establish worthwhile careers in their chosen fields.
Not only does this benefit the young people involved by supporting their career development, but it is also good for the local economy, providing jobs in the West Yorkshire region.
KAL staff have also enjoyed company specific Continual Professional Development (CPD), which has improved their skills and helped them develop within their career, whether as a sports centre manager or a personal trainer.
Finally, by partnering with KAL, CMS Fitness is able to deliver its Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Trainer courses in a first-class setting.
OUTSTANDING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
The annual KAL Celebration Event includes the presentation of the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award, which is sponsored by CMS.
This year’s winner was James Turton from Mirfield, who works at Dewsbury Sports Centre and who completed his Intermediate Apprenticeship in Leisure Operations with CMS Fitness Courses.
Recognised for his continual hard work and commitment towards his apprenticeship, James recently attended a job interview with KAL, at which he was offered a new job to start in the new year as a Sports Activator. The role will involve him promoting sport, exercise and physical activity within KAL centres in and around Kirklees.
“Securing an apprenticeship after my GCSEs was the best option for me and I haven’t looked back since,” James said. “Working with CMS has given me the best start in working towards my future career. My personal tutor, Jodie, helped me through my apprenticeship, expanding my knowledge and encouraging me to strive to be the best I can be. This helped me to develop at KAL as I trained in different departments throughout my apprenticeship and I have since gained a new, more senior role, there.”
He continued: “I am delighted to have won KAL’s Apprentice of the Year and I can’t thank KAL, CMS, and especially Jodie, enough for this opportunity and for their support.”
