Project Description
Work Inspiration Day at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre Inspires Next Generation
On Thursday, 5th September, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust hosted a Work Inspiration Day at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, offering young people a unique opportunity to explore careers in the sports and leisure sector. Forty S3 & S4 pupils from Balwearie, Kirkcaldy, Lochgelly, and St Andrews RC High Schools attended the event, which was organised in collaboration with the Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance (KSLA) and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Fife.
Pupils were divided into groups to take part in various hands-on activities led by experienced staff members. These activities provided valuable insights into different roles, including administration and memberships, gym instructing, leading fitness and activity sessions, as well as first aid and lifeguarding. Each session was designed to give students a practical understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of Fife Sports and Leisure staff and the pathways to building a career in the sector.
Karen Marsh, Human Resources Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The atmosphere on the day was fantastic, and it was really inspiring to see the students so engaged and excited about the different roles within the industry. The staff at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre’s dedication and passion really shone through as they led the sessions and shared their own career journeys. We’re eager to build on the success of this event to offer young people valuable opportunities to develop practical skills and gain experience through volunteering, training, and work placements, so they can take the first steps toward a career in this sector.”
Emma Walker, CEO of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership between Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance, and Developing the Young Workforce Fife. This Work Inspiration Day is a perfect example of how we can come together to give young people real, hands-on insights into careers in the sports and leisure industry. The impact of this kind of event goes beyond just a day’s experience – it opens doors for young people to see the wide range of opportunities available in leisure, from lifeguarding and fitness instruction to management and operations. By offering these opportunities, we’re helping young people build the confidence and skills they need to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in an industry that supports health, wellbeing, and community spirit.”
Darren Wilson, DYW Wider Achievement Coordinator, stated: “The Work Inspiration Day in collaboration with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is an excellent example of how connecting schools with employers can offer relevant pathways into volunteering, work experience and employment. A wide range of potential career pathways were demonstrated by local members of staff who shared their experience and career pathways through engaging the young people through practical activities.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust are an organisation offering various routes and employment opportunities it is important that we make our young people aware of what is on offer in developing the skills and how they access this pathway. I am excited to see how the partnership strengthens, and we continue to grow opportunities for young people to progress and thrive in this sector.”
Lewis Cleland Guidance Teacher at St Andrews RCHS Kirkcaldy, added: The event was excellent a very productive day for pupils to experience a breadth of workshops and gain an insight into the opportunities in the Sports and Leisure industry.
The event was part of a broader initiative by the KSLA to support young people in exploring career pathways within the local community. The partnership with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust plays a key role in promoting employability and creating opportunities for work experience and volunteering in the sports and leisure sector. Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, offering young people practical experience to build their skills and confidence.
For more information on volunteering, work experience, and career opportunities with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, visit: Volunteer Opportunities – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)