The award-winning Graduate Trainee Management Scheme run by GLL, the social enterprise which operates the network of ‘Better’ leisure centres, has launched in Belfast.
Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the fast-track scheme has returned to recruit and train the city’s senior leisure centre managers of the future.
Successful applicants will be added to GLL’s two-year management development programme, during which they will work across all areas of the business from human resources and marketing to lifeguard and fitness instructor training.
Employees on the scheme will be mentored by senior colleagues as they work towards key qualifications for a career in the leisure industry, including:
· Gym Instructors Level 2
· RLSS National Pool Lifeguard
· STA Award in Teaching Swimming
External applicants to the scheme will be welcomed by GLL, which operates 15 leisure centres and delivers leisure services to over 20,000 pre-paid monthly members across the city.
Applicants without experience in leisure require a degree or equivalent level qualification, while internal applicants without a degree that possess solid industry experience will also be considered.
Salaries for the positions range from £21,950 - £27,787. Following a candidate selection process throughout the Spring, successful applicants will take up their positions in August and September.
Previous alumni from the scheme include Michael Kearney, GLL’s Project Manager of the Leisure Transformation Programme in Belfast. Michael joined the fast-track programme in 2015 after working as a casual lifeguard in Andersonstown Leisure Centre. He has since held multiple General Manager positions at centres across the city and now leads on the rollout of the £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme, which includes the current redevelopment of Templemore Baths.
Project Manager at GLL Michael Kearney said:
“I joined the Graduate Trainee Management Scheme after working in my local leisure centre in Andersonstown while at university. Initially employed as a casual lifeguard, a role I was inspired to pursue by both of my parents who worked there, I was thrilled to find a scheme where I could continue to work within my local community while gaining valuable qualifications and experience.”
“Through continued access to senior colleagues, I left the programme with a great foundation in the skills and attributes required for a management career in leisure and the values and vision of GLL as a charitable social enterprise. I have no doubt that this kickstarted my career and helped me find a role that continues to reward me today.”
GLL Project Manager Michael Kearney
People Business Partner at GLL in Belfast Lynne Savage said:
“The Graduate Trainee Management Scheme is designed to provide an understanding of the different roles within leisure by giving hands-on experience across a range of duties. After a two-year hiatus, we are delighted to relaunch this flagship programme once again to provide more individuals with a gateway into the industry.”
As an employer of over 500 individuals in Belfast, we know that the talent and reliability of local people is unrivalled and are pleased to be delivering these new roles for the economy.”
Further information on the GLL Trainee Management Scheme can be found here. Applications close on Monday 16 May.