Active leisure employers are being urged to grasp the opportunity to improve the skills and expertise of more young people in the sector through a free scheme provided by Focus Training.

The health and fitness training provider now has funding available for modern apprenticeships in Instructing Exercise and Fitness via its Staff Academy and is offering to help young employees successfully attain Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.

Training is delivered through a combination of distance learning supported by Focus Training tutors, and workshop attendance at one of its many UK venues. With the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, this training is completely free to employers and can be applied to both existing and new staff aged 16 to 18 years old.

Focus Training spokesperson Darren Chadwick said: “We have successfully tutored many Modern Apprentices and would urge employers to upskill their young members of staff and recruit new starters to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”

Physical activity apprenticeships recently received a welcome shot in the arm with the announcement that the industry has secured trailblazer status, meaning active leisure employers can tailor apprenticeships to streamline training pathways and proactively address skills shortages.