Project Description

As part of the Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance (KSLA) programme, St Andrew’s RC High School partnered with Fife Sport and Leisure Trust to provide students with an engaging work inspiration excursion. This initiative was designed to expose young people to potential careers within the sport and leisure industry, equipping them with essential skills and experiences to help them pursue a future in the field. 

Nine S3 pupils participated in a full-day excursion to Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre. The day was structured around three interactive workshops: Strength and Conditioning, Pickleball, and CPR/Resuscitation. These workshops offered the students hands-on learning opportunities while giving them insight into the diverse career paths available in the industry. Following this experience, students were also given the opportunity to volunteer at the leisure centre, further developing their practical skills and industry knowledge. 

Partner and Business Involvement: 

The Fife Sport and Leisure Trust played a key role in organising and delivering the event in collaboration with DYW Fife. Recognising the importance of fostering strong community ties and inspiring the next generation, the Trust was eager to partner with local schools. By hosting this event, they aim to increase awareness of the wide range of career opportunities within the sport and leisure sector and encourage young people to pursue these paths. 

This initiative also aligns with Fife Sport and Leisure Trust’s broader goal of creating a robust talent pipeline for the future. By engaging students early on, they hope to inspire them to explore careers in fitness instruction, coaching, health and safety, and facility management—ultimately supporting the local community and the industry’s growth. 

The Event: 

The work inspiration day included three focused workshops, each designed to provide real-world experience in different aspects of the leisure industry. 

1. Strength and Conditioning Workshop 

Led by a certified fitness instructor, this session provided pupils with a hands-on introduction to strength training in the centre’s modern fitness studio. 

• Pupils practiced basic strength exercises, focusing on form and technique. 

• They learned about the role of fitness instructors and personal trainers, including how to design programs for different fitness levels and help individuals reach their goals. 

2. Pickleball Session 

Pickleball, a sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offered the students insight into a fast-growing activity in the leisure sector. 

• The pupils learned the rules of pickleball and practiced basic playing techniques. 

• They gained an understanding of how to coach the sport and organize community-level events, learning about career paths in sport coordination and coaching. 

3. CPR and Resuscitation Workshop 

This session focused on teaching essential life-saving skills. 

• Pupils learned the basic steps of CPR and practiced using mannequins to simulate emergency situations. 

• The workshop emphasized the critical importance of health and safety in leisure facilities, preparing students for potential roles in first aid, lifeguarding, or facility management. 

Feedback: 

The students provided positive feedback on the excursion, expressing how valuable and enjoyable they found the experience. They noted that each workshop offered them new insights into different areas of the leisure industry, which broadened their understanding of potential career opportunities. 

One student commented, “The CPR workshop was really useful—I now feel like I could help in an emergency, and it’s something I didn’t think about when I first thought of working in leisure.” 

An exciting prospect following the event is the opportunity for students to volunteer at the leisure centre, allowing them to further develop the skills they learned during the excursion. Volunteering could also open the door to free leisure passes, giving students more exposure to the industry and potentially securing future employment opportunities. 

Conclusion: 

The KSLA work inspiration excursion provided a valuable and practical learning experience for students at St Andrew’s RC High School. Through hands-on workshops and real-world exposure, the pupils gained a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available in the sport and leisure industry. With support from Fife Sport and Leisure Trust, this event not only inspired young people to consider careers in this field but also fostered a growing partnership between the school and local businesses that will benefit the future workforce.