Hayden Webber has just completed his six months on the Government’s Kickstart scheme at Newquay Leisure World and has now been offered a permanent contract.
He began his placement in February and has since learned different aspects of the leisure industry – including fitness, trampoline park and pool operations. He has also achieved the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and is about to train as a level 2 fitness instructor.
Hayden was eligible for the 25-hour per week Kickstart scheme as someone who was in the 16-24 age group and on Universal Credit.
“As soon as I saw what the job involved, I was sold,” he said. “I’ve loved trying out different roles and the support I’ve had from managers and the rest of the GLL team has been fantastic – so much so that they’ve become real mates.
“Knowing I can now stay on and work here full time is brilliant, and I can’t recommend the job enough.”
GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Better leisure centres throughout Cornwall on behalf of Cornwall Council.
“We were very short-staffed last summer and wanted to embrace every opportunity to turn the recruitment tide this year,” said Senior General Manager Amelia Kitchen. “Embracing the Kickstart scheme helped us build links with our local job centres and find people like Hayden who really enjoy leisure centre work and are keen to learn new skills.
“He’s been very enthusiastic from the start, and we’re delighted to welcome him on a permanent basis to the leisure centre team.”
For more information, visit the website or email amelia.kitchen@gll.org