Eight young apprentices have joined Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust, recruited from the local area.

It marks the launch of a new Apprentice Academy at Link4Life focussed on developing training and employment opportunities within the sports, leisure and cultural industries.

 Six of the young people will study towards the NVQ Level 2 Instructing Exercise & Fitness and will be rotated across Middleton Arena, Heywood Sports Village and the brand new £11 million build, Rochdale Leisure Centre. The remaining two will become apprentice greenkeepers at the 18 hole Marland Golf Course in Springfield Park, Rochdale where they will pursue an Intermediate Apprenticeship in work based Horticulture, Sportsturf and Greenkeeping.

 Welcoming the apprentices to Link4Life, HR Manager Emma Pendlebury said: "During their apprenticeship, these young people will learn new skills, build their knowledge and gain qualifications preparing them for successful future careers in their chosen field. It's part of Link4Life's commitment to developing the skills of local people and helping to build a strong local economy."