In My Own Words: Tash’s Apprenticeship Journey to a Healthy Communities Instructor
We’re supporting National Apprenticeship Week!
Regardless of age or background, apprenticeships are a fantastic way for People to enter a new workforce, restart their career, or even change direction.
The latter was the case for Tash Giles, a Healthy Communities Instructor at Gosport Leisure Centre, who transitioned into the role after working in retail. It was her friend Becky, the Healthy Communities Manager at the centre, who inspired her to make the change.
“Becky's passion for her role in the exercise referral department convinced me to switch careers. I started with the Combined Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer apprenticeship, which then led to the Exercise Referral Diploma.” Tash said.
When changing careers or entering a new industry, it’s vital that there are practices in place that can help People shape their career path, and apprenticeships are an ideal way to do this. After joining the centre as a Placemaker, then moving to a Placemaker Assistant Manager, Tash wanted to use the Combined Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer apprenticeship to help her qualify for the Exercise Referral Diploma.
“The apprenticeship provided a clear entry point into what I wanted to do and opened up so many opportunities for further qualifications,” Tash said. “I got a comprehensive understanding of gym and fitness, physiology, and the importance of physical activity. Having these skills is a must for my current role and it was all new to me when I started.”
Tash’s apprenticeship experience is a perfect example of this year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week - ‘Skills for Life’ – which encourages everyone to celebrate how apprenticeships can support an individual’s career, and their role in helping employers develop a future-ready, skilled workforce.
Not only is Tash applying the skills and knowledge she learned from her apprenticeship directly to support our Customers, but it’s opening more doors in her future with Places Leisure. “At the moment I'm finishing a serious mental health qualification and have completed the Exercise Referral Diploma. I'm about to start a Cardiac Rehab Diploma and have done advanced first aid too. Last but not least, I'm also involved in a weight management and wellbeing programme funded by Public Health England.” Tash said.
After developing her knowledge and skills during the apprenticeship, Tash completed it with a distinction last year and transitioned into a role within the exercise referral department at Gosport Leisure Centre, which has now expanded from just one person to a team of five due to uptake and demand.
Like any career change, the apprenticeship came with its challenges. Balancing work while finding the time to complete on-the-job training is a challenge that many apprentices face, but one thing which Tash emphasised is the importance of having a clear plan and agreement in place with managers and Colleagues to ensure the process is smooth sailing.
When asked to describe her apprenticeship in one word? Tash said: “Life-changing”.
“It’s given me so many skills and opportunities to help others improve their fitness and wellbeing. My advice to others is that it’s never too late to try something new and find your passion. If you have the right support and drive, an apprenticeship can open so many doors and provide valuable learning experiences.”
Apprenticeships offer an accessible, hands-on approach to learning, compared to traditional academic routes, which can often be a better option for some People.
Across our 90+ Places Leisure centres, we’ve got plenty of ambitious People looking for new ways to develop their skills or looking to join us, that’s why we’re proud to offer a range of apprenticeships to support career development.
If you found this blog helpful, you can view our full list of blogs here.