Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) is using the Queen’s Baton Relay engagement events, during and after the Commonwealth Games, to inspire and encourage more people from the local community to consider a career in leisure.
The Black Country-based charity, which runs nine leisure facilities for Sandwell Council across the borough, is showcasing a new online video and QR code campaign featuring two established and highly popular members of staff talking about their experiences and progression over the years.
Tashan Deacon, age 28 from Wednesbury, has been with SLT from 2010 after passing his pool lifeguard exam and has since become a qualified Swimming Teacher & a Relief Duty Manager at Langley Swimming Centre in Oldbury.
He says: ”SLT invest in your career development and I get paid well, have uniform provided and get decent holiday entitlement. It’s great to be part of a large and diverse team too and we have a great bond and spirit.
“Teaching swimming is very rewarding and I’m always proud to see the young swimmers move up through the stages, plus being a Duty Manager holds a lot of responsibility but they have given me all the tools I need to ensure I can keep the building and my team safe and deliver a great experience to the customers every day.”
Chantelle Johnson, age 41 from Smethwick, joined as a receptionist in 2003 and quickly became a qualified gym instructor and an activity coordinator at Smethwick Swimming Centre, where she also looks after the swimming lesson programme.
She adds: “I love my job because I get a lot of satisfaction from helping and advancing people. There are so many fulfilling roles at SLT, and many have different and flexible shift patterns that can fit in around your own lifestyle.
“Continuous training and development is a given and there’s an online tool which makes it easy to complete all necessary essential training, as well as the weekly refreshers at the centres. As a team, we regularly meet together to share good practice and discuss any challenges which are presented; it all helps us to deliver increased customer satisfaction.”
See and hear their full stories and how to get involved in your own exciting new leisure career at: https://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/news/why-its-time-to-consider-a-career-in-the-leisure-industry/