Meet Gravesham Community Leisure – our 2016 Employer of the Year

This model apprenticeship employer not only impresses with its learner support but also excels in subsequent career progression

Apprenticeships aren’t just good for the learners, they also provide an excellent resource for the businesses that take them on. One company that knows all about this is Gravesham Community Leisure Ltd (GCLL) – our YMCA Training Small to Medium employer of the year 2016.

The Kent company, which provides everything from swimming classes to gym memberships via a luxury spa, currently offers seven Health and Fitness Apprenticeships.

In total, GCLL have had 20 learners complete Apprenticeships with YMCA Training.

GCLL are not only committed to their apprentices while on programme, but excel in offering career progression and uphold impressive retention rates.

The company are a model apprenticeship employer. Not only are they flexible, but apprentices benefit from a wide range of support – as well as direct access to their three leisure centres.

As well as focusing on the required apprenticeship qualifications the company also seek to improve the ‘softer skills’ of their apprentices, by working with learners to improve their confidence, communication and disposition. This kind of attention to detail can really make the difference to apprentices.

Another aspect of GCLL that impresses is the subsequent journey of the learners. The company is not only committed to their apprentices while on programme, but excel in offering career progression and uphold impressive retention rates.

A shining example is a lifeguard at GCLL who obtained both a Level 2 and 3 Fitness Instructor qualification leading him to be promoted as a fitness instructor. The same person has since been promoted to Duty Manager and has been placed on the Leisure Management Level 3 course.

Great news for any apprentices just starting their career.