A Pool Lifeguard course held at Forth Valley College during Easter has led to a job and three interviews for eager students.
Leisure Facilities Coordinator Wai Mun Lee from the College’s Care, Health and Sport Department worked closely with Falkirk Community Trust to set up the course during the Easter break.
Four sports students completed the course and are now certified pool lifeguards. This has enabled them to actively seek employment within the leisure industry. Three out of the four attended a Falkirk Community Trust Recruitment Fayre, have submitted their applications and an interview is guaranteed.
The fourth student Seaney McDermott (pictured with Wai) is a different kettle of fish. He has secured a permanent full time leisure attendant role at The Peak in Stirling and is also studying the Pathway to Fitness, Health and Exercise SCQ Level 6 course.
A good working relationship has now been cemented with Falkirk Community Trust and future Pool Lifeguard courses will be pencilled in for the new term and annually after that.
Seaney Mcdermott, said: "For several years now I always knew I wanted to work within a sports orientated industry and I applied for the Fitness, Health and Exercise course at college to help facilitate that goal. Whilst it’s been great to study something that I am enthusiastic about, I'm glad to say that I'll be leaving college with more than just a great deal of knowledge about the body, I'll also be leaving with a full-time job within an industry that brings out the best in my character.
“Thanks to Wai and The Falkirk Community Trust they have managed to get me in the door of sport and leisure and opened up job opportunities that I can actually make a career out of and for this I am sincerely grateful."
Wai Mun Lee, said: “Seaney had been unemployed throughout the last five months and had struggled financially to continue with his studies, but somehow he managed and now that he has secured a full time permanent position just weeks from completing the SCQF Lev 6 course he can’t be in a better place.
“I am really happy that our students took part in the Pool Lifeguard course, although there was a cost involved for themselves to sign up, it was money well spent as it can lead to casual, part or full-time employment. A big well done to Seaney and good luck to the other three students.
“Our sports department is constantly looking at ways to improve our students’ employability opportunities and we already have an extensive relationship with other organisations and it’s a pleasure to include Falkirk Community Trust.”