Hyndburn Leisure is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Amazing Accrington Futures Event, which will be held on Friday 4th October at Accrington Stanley Football Club. At the event, Hyndburn Leisure will be highlighting job roles, volunteer opportunities and training on offer across the Trust.
Lifeguard Training: A Stepping Stone to a Rewarding Career
One of the opportunities the Trust will showcase is its National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) training programme. For many young people, becoming a lifeguard offers more than just a part-time role—it serves as a gateway to a rewarding career in the leisure industry. The Lifeguard Training program at Hyndburn Leisure provides participants with essential qualifications and valuable real-world experience.
This structured program offers top-quality training paired with hands-on practice and shadowing opportunities, helping participants develop both confidence and practical skills.
Jacob Pollard recently qualified as a lifeguard—here’s his perspective on the Lifeguard Training program:
The NPLQ course has allowed me to become a qualified lifeguard whilst also undertaking first aid training, these are skills I believe are essential in not just job roles but in real life everyday scenarios. The training took a week and gave me the knowledge and training to become comfortable in life saving situations, along with allowing me to ask questions and learn more about being a lifeguard.
Shadowing at Hyndburn Leisure Centre has helped me become comfortable in the environment and build positive relationships with co-workers, fostering a strong sense of community within the centre.
I wanted to become a lifeguard because of the skills it teaches and the different responsibilities involved with the job on an everyday basis. I am currently studying a BTEC in Sport at Accrington Stanley and the NPLQ course has helped boost my CV along with providing me with extra UCAS points which will benefit me in the future when applying to university.
In the past three years, 27 candidates have completed the NPLQ course with Hyndburn Leisure, and 24 of them have gone on to secure roles within the organisation. During the same period, 49 lifeguards have successfully completed their NPLQ renewal course.
Building Real-World Skills and Opportunities
The Trust also offers structured volunteer placements where people can gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment. This programme helps people to develop new skills and grow their confidence. Many participants, like Heidi who has recently completed her placement, find that volunteering with the Trust leads to paid employment within the organisation and the chance to gain recognised qualifications, setting them on a path toward a fulfilling career.
Empowering the Next Generation through the Learning Academy
Later this year, the Trust will be launching a new Learning Academy, dedicated to enhancing skills and preparing young adults to work in the Leisure industry. At the Amazing Accrington Futures Event, people will be able to register their interest in being part of this exciting new Academy.
Heidi Molloy’s perspective on volunteering:
I chose to volunteer because it offers many opportunities for continued professional development and experience which will help me build skills I may need for future jobs and opportunities. Volunteering has given me a lot of confidence, especially when talking to new coaches and children while helping in classes and holiday clubs. Everyone makes me feel like a part of the team.
Since I started volunteering, I’ve gained a lot of confidence in teaching children. I’ve also completed my gymnastics helper course, which has made me much more confident in leading, supporting, and encouraging the children during their gymnastics classes. I hope to continue volunteering and eventually work for Hyndburn Leisure when I turn 16.
Supporting the Community’s Future
Hyndburn Leisure’s participation in the Amazing Accrington Futures Event underscores its commitment to supporting the local community. At the event, the Trust aims to inspire more young people to take advantage of the excellent opportunities available and to consider a future in the leisure industry.
“Almost half of our employees are aged 25 or under. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for young people, helping them build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” said Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive, Hyndburn Leisure
