In My Own Words: Ben’s journey through apprenticeships
From apprentice all the way to General Manager...
At Places Leisure, we know that apprenticeships aren’t just a career starting point - they’re a springboard for growth. Ben’s journey is a shining example of how one opportunity can open the door to lifelong possibilities, and we’re proud to share his story during National Apprenticeship Week.
In 2016, Ben faced a turning point. After leaving his job as a trackman at rail engineering company, where he had worked alongside his father, he realised that the role didn’t match his passion for sports and fitness, but what followed wasn’t easy. “At 20, I was at the job centre, applying for jobs at places like Next, McDonald’s, and Primark,” he recalled. “I faced a lot of rejection and really started to lose hope.”
To stay motivated, Ben trained at the gym at Maltby Leisure Centre and fate soon intervened. "One day, while walking my dog, I received a life-changing phone call from the Fitness Manager about a potential apprenticeship opportunity." That call marked the start of Ben's new journey. He applied, secured the apprenticeship, and threw himself into the work, gaining experience across fitness, sports, memberships, and lifeguarding. The variety of roles helped him develop valuable skills quickly.
"I embraced every opportunity," Ben said proudly. "One of my biggest achievements was selling 14 memberships in a single day while covering the membership desk. That success led to a full-time role as a membership advisor, which I absolutely loved." Ben's role as a membership advisor wasn't just about sales - it was about building relationships. Many of the Customers he helped back then still keep in touch today, which he considers one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
After two years at Maltby, Ben moved to Graves Health and Sports Centre, where he honed his sales and customer service skills in a fast-paced environment. “It was non-stop, but exactly what I needed,” he said. “I developed an interest in management and started improving my coaching skills.”
In 2020, Ben returned to Maltby as a Membership Manager, a role that felt like a homecoming but also introduced new responsibilities. His curiosity about the operational side of the business grew, leading him to transition to a Duty Manager role at Rotherham Leisure Complex. "That role really solidified my interest in progressing further," he said. "I gained experience with safety procedures, bookings, and even the Profit and Loss Statement, which I found fascinating. I received coaching to understand how our work affected the centre's financial success, and that knowledge made me more ambitious."
When the Operations Manager position opened, Ben seized the opportunity. Although the interview process was challenging, his preparation paid off. “That experience improved my public speaking skills a lot, and I was over the moon when I got the job,” he said.
Ben didn’t stop there. He continued to build on his knowledge, stepping into a General Manager role at Wisewood Sports Centre before being seconded back to Maltby, where he feels right at home.
"I can honestly say that I love my job," he smiled. "Every day is different, and I'm constantly learning. The team at Maltby welcomed me back with open arms - it really feels like a homecoming." Reflecting on his journey, Ben credited apprenticeships for giving him the foundation he needed. "When I started, I had the interest but not the experience," he said. "The apprenticeships bridged that gap and gave me everything I needed to build a career in leisure."
Ben went on to complete a Personal Training qualification as well as levels 3 and 5 in Management and Leadership, learning lessons which continue to shape his leadership style today. "The Management and Leadership level 5 apprenticeship was a game-changer," Ben explained. "It helped me with project planning, conflict resolution, and performance management - all things I use daily as a General Manager."
Balancing work and study wasn’t without its challenges, but dedicated time to focus on coursework helped. “I had one day a week for coursework, and that helped me manage the workload,” he said. “Having supportive managers and mentors like Richard Cowley also played a huge role in my success.”
Ben's advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it. "The benefits far outweigh the cons," he said. "On-the-job learning combined with real-world experience is invaluable." For Ben, apprenticeships have been more than a stepping stone, they've been the key to unlocking his potential. "I wouldn't be where I am today without them," he said. "They've given me the tools to grow, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful."
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating stories like Ben’s, his journey shows that with the right opportunities, determination, and support, anything is possible.
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