Lifeguard/Leisure Assistant and Duty Manager Apprenticeship

Closing date: 16 August 2026

Location: Hatfield, South East – Full Time

About the role

This is an amazing opportunity for someone looking to progress their career within the leisure industry and enjoys helping and interacting with people. You will be part of a highly motivated team delivering inclusive, high-quality sports services to a diverse range of users—from first-time participants to elite performers, including Watford FC and London Mavericks Netball.

The successful applicant will play a key role in delivering services across a seven-day operation, including bank holidays. Shifts include 6am–2pm and 2pm–11pm, as part of a rotating shift rota.

Responsibilities

• Support the Duty Management team in the smooth and efficient running of Hertfordshire Sports Village.
• Maintain high standards across the facility, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for customers.
• Adhere to health and safety requirements and operational standards.
• Perform lifeguarding duties as a key aspect of the role and apprenticeship.
• Achieve and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) through mandatory training during the October half-term break (26–31 October 2026, 08:00–17:00).

Apprenticeship Programme

This is a 48-month apprenticeship programme:

• Years 1–2: Leisure Team Member Level 2 apprenticeship, including:
  • IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (mandatory attendance: 26–31 October 2026, 08:00–17:00).
  • Swim England Level 2 in Teaching Swimming or STA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instruction (awarded by Focus Awards, Active IQ, Innovate Awarding, NCFE, VCTC, or YMCA Awards).
  • Level 3 Certificate in First Aid (standalone or part of the NPLQ).
• Years 3–4: Leisure Duty Manager Level 3 apprenticeship, including:
  • First Aid at Work certificate.
  • Pool Plant Operator qualification.
• Upon successful completion of both apprenticeships, progression to Trainee Duty Manager, continuing to support the duty management team.
• Opportunity to continue onto a relevant Degree Apprenticeship.

All training is supported by a workplace mentor and line manager, with off-the-job learning integrated into the workplace.

Requirements

• Minimum GCSEs in Maths and English (grade D/3 or above) or equivalent qualification.
• Keen interest in sport and fitness.
• Confident swimmer.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a customer-facing environment.
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role is desirable.
• Attention to detail, proactive approach, and ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive “can-do” attitude, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Motivation to learn new skills.

Eligibility

• Must not have undertaken previous training duplicating the apprenticeship content.
• Must have been a UK/EEA/EU resident for the last 3 years (UKVI visa regulations apply; sponsorship is not available for this position).
• Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including cautions, reprimands, final warnings, and convictions.
• Applicants who have lived outside the UK for 12 months or more in the last 10 years must provide a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each relevant country.

Benefits

• Free use of facilities, including staff “happy hour” during the working week.
• Progressive career structure with opportunities for growth and further qualifications.
• UniDays, NUS, and Galleria discount cards.
• Discounted travel on UNO buses.
• Regular staff social events.
• Generous annual leave.
• Flexible location opportunities within the UK.
• Discounted Sports Village memberships and Active Staff sessions.
• Personal and professional development, including family-friendly policies.

Pay

Starting salary: £24,852

For an informal chat about the role, contact Matt Coleman (Operations Manager) at m.coleman5@herts.ac.uk.