Facility operator Leisure Connection has teamed up with training provider Lifetime to unveil new and improved government-funded apprenticeship programme for 16-to-18-year-olds.

At least one apprentice will be employed by each centre run by Leisure Connection for a six-month period as part of the programme, which aims to deliver work-ready fitness instructors. Following a three-week, classroom-based course delivered by Lifetime, apprentices will then benefit from practical training towards a qualification in sales, fitness or customer service.

Lifetime will coach and mentor the young people throughout the six months and will provide advice and support for both the learner and the employer. Leisure Connection training and development manager Claire Owen said: "We're committed to upskilling and developing the industry and are looking forward to welcoming our learners into the estate."

Lifetime national key account manager Julie Proctor added: "Apprenticeship programmes, such as the bespoke course we have developed with Leisure Connection, offer a unique blend of classroom learning and vocational training. The result is more work-ready individuals." The partnership aims to recruit between 75 and 100 apprentices this year.