Lifeguard/Leisure Assistant and Duty Manager Apprenticeship
Hertfordshire Sports Village
Hatfield (AL10 9EU)
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 16 August 2026)
Posted on 30 July 2026
Contents
Summary
This is an amazing opportunity for someone who is looking to progress their career within the leisure industry and enjoys helping and interacting with people. You will be part of highly motivated team who have a passion for delivering inclusive, high-quality sports services, to a diverse range of students, staff, and community users.
- Wage
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£24,852 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Starting at NLW £24,852 pa increasing to HSV3 on successful completion of the Level 2 apprenticeship and HSV4 on successful completion of Level 3 apprenticeship. Free use of facilities, UniDays, NUS & Galleria discount cards, discounted travel on UNO buses.
- Training course
- Leisure team member (level 2)
- Hours
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Working as part of a seven-day operation including bank holidays, the successful candidate must be available to work the following shifts: 6am - 2pm and 2pm - 11pm but not limited to, as part of a shift rota. Exact shifts TBC.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Thursday 1 October 2026
- Duration
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4 years
- Positions available
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1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- To work as part of the Leisure Operations team, this role will support the Duty Management team in the smooth and efficient running of Hertfordshire Sports Village. The role involves helping to maintain high standards across the facility, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for customers, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements and operational standards
- To demonstrate a Service Excellence mindset by providing a consistent, efficient, high quality and customer-oriented service to all customers of the Sports Village through implementation of agreed operating procedures and standards, ensuring that the customer is at the heart of every decision
- Lifeguarding is a key aspect of this role and an integral part of the apprenticeship. The successful candidate will be supported to achieve and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), allowing them to become a fully qualified and active lifeguard. Training is planned for the October half-term break (26-31 October 2026, 08:00-17:00) and forms an essential part of the programme
Where you'll work
University of Hertfordshire
De Havilland campus
Hatfield
AL10 9EU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
LOCOMOTIVATION LTD.
Training course
Leisure team member (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work in a team to support peers and colleagues to meet the goals of the business.
- Communicate (written, verbal) accurately and effectively and in line with legal requirements. E.g. Information on products and accident reporting procedures.
- Undertake the operational housekeeping of the leisure facility. For example, assembling, dismantling, routine maintenance and storage of equipment. Cleaning tasks. Opening and closing procedures, including evacuation. Safe set up of equipment and activities.
- Monitor customer use of equipment and ensure their safety, intervening as necessary.
- Comply with the legal requirements to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all colleagues and customers within the facility, such as Equality Act, HSE Act, COSHH, RIDDOR, Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Data Protection, BSI and European guidelines relevant to the environment, first aid regulations.
- Use IT including front of house system, social media and digital channels.
- Perform all the duties of a swimming teacher including; delivering swimming lessons that develop water confidence, core aquatic skills, safety and technical skills across a range of participants of different abilities from non swimmer to advanced. Promoting and raising awareness of swimming opportunities. Supervising and leading swimming teachers assistants.
- Perform the duties of a lifeguard including; working as part of a team to provide safe supervision of swimmers and prevent accidents. How to intervien providing rescues and life saving techniques when necessary.
- Perform all of the duties of a gym instructor; including; conducting, gym inductions, client consultations, assessment and review and health screening. Use underpinning knowledge of anatomy, physiology, human movement and biomechanics and applying fitness training techniques. Planning, reviewing and delivering safe and effective gym based exercise programmes with individuals and small groups.
- Plan activity sessions using techniques that are suitable for the participant(s) and their goals.
- Undertake pre-activity screening and health and safety checks when leading group sessions/classes.
- Lead groups using appropriate communication methods and instructing styles and apply suitable group management techniques when instructing participants.
Training schedule
In years 1 and 2 the postholder will study the Leisure Team Member Level 2 apprenticeship, as well as completing relevant courses associated with the job role including lifeguard and fitness instructor L2. This will be followed in years 3 and 4 by the Leisure Duty Manager Level 3 apprenticeship as well as an option to complete a fitness instructor L3. On successful completion of both apprenticeships the postholder will be appointed to Trainee Duty Manager and continue to support the duty management team.
- IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (26-31 October 2026, 08:00-17:00 - attendance mandatory)
- A Swim England Level 2 in Teaching Swimming or a STA level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming
- Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instruction awarded by; Focus Awards, Active IQ, Innovate Awarding, NCFE, VCTC or YMCA Awards
- Level 3 certificate in First Aid (to be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as a separate part of the IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding)
- As part of the Level 3 apprenticeship, you will obtain a First aid at work certificate and Pool Plant Operator qualification
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 3)
- Maths (grade 3)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- The successful applicant will have a keen interest in sport and fitness, be a confident swimmer and be able to work as part of a team in a customer facing environment. Previous experience in a customer facing environment is desirable. Attention to detail is essential, as is a proactive approach and an ability to inspire and motivate others
- Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office are crucial for this role. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential. You will have a positive “can do” attitude, be flexible and adaptable in approach and be motivated to learn new skills
About this employer
The University of Hertfordshire transforms lives by finding and powering potential, giving students the chance to succeed whatever their background. Based 25 minutes north of London in Hatfield, its two campuses have had continuous investment in social spaces, sports facilities, accommodation and a new science building. Courses are shaped by industry, leading to highly employable graduates.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On successful completion of the apprenticeships there will be an opportunity to continue onto a Degree Apprenticeship relevant to the business and its requirements.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Hertfordshire Sports Village
Matthew Coleman
m.coleman5@herts.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045590.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 16 August 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.