Work Experience leads to first ever job
At the end of January Luke started a two week work experience placement at Kensington Leisure Centre to provide him with an insight into the leisure industry. Luke is a student at St Charles Sixth Form College in the borough and lives within walking distance of the centre. During his work experience placement he helped out at activity sessions, shadowed front of house, observed fitness classes, worked with the Fitness Instructors and helped set up and maintain equipment at the centre. After his two week placement Luke commented…
‘I enjoyed interacting with customers as it helped me out of my comfort zone, observing the classes was useful as it showed me different ways in which classes can be taught. Shadowing the Fitness Instructor and writing a fitness programme for myself was very useful as this career appeals to me and to work with an experienced fitness specialist was extremely rewarding. I have learnt that GLL offer the local community a number of different ways to help improve their health. After my two week placement I am still very keen to become a Fitness Instructor and work in the leisure industry’.
During his work experience Luke impressed all of the staff at the centre with his can do attitude and wiliness to learn and adapt to tasks given to him, all of which were carried out with a smile and good humour. A few weeks after his placement finished a vacancy for a ‘Weekend Party Host’ became available at the centre, Luke was encouraged to apply by staff who believed that he would be ideal for the role.
Luke said ‘After work experience I was keen to work at the centre, casually while continuing my studies so I was delighted when I was offered the position of Weekend Party Host and now I have my first ever job!’
‘The staff have made me feel like part of the family and are very supportive. I found the role challenging at first but I am now enjoying the job, work experience and this position has really helped to develop my confidence when dealing with customers whereas before I was a bit hesitant but now I feel able to deal with their requests and help make their children’s parties fun and enjoyable. I want to continue in the role while I am studying and possibly in the future work full time for GLL as a Fitness Instructor. I am really looking forward to spending my first ever pay packet!
Luke continues to impress both staff and customers and has become an important part of the weekend team at Kensington Leisure Centre.