Starting out in leisure

On graduating with a 2:1 degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Portsmouth this summer, Charlie Bashford, 21, started a paid apprenticeship at Mytime Active, as a Recreational Assistant. 

Charlie’s journey into the leisure sector began early, shaped by a strong passion for physical activity following a childhood diagnosis of Perthes disease, which temporarily restricted his mobility. During his time at school, inspired by an amazing PE teacher, he was sports team captain and completed a BTEC and an A Level in PE. 

To kickstart his career in a challenging job market, Charlie felt lucky to gain a paid apprenticeship with Mytime Active at The Spa in Beckenham. The 18-month programme combines hands-on operational experience, such as lifeguarding and supporting various site functions, with structured learning managed by training provider SCL Education Group. Through this pathway, Charlie receives fully-funded professional qualifications while learning on the job. 

Bridging the gap 

Reflecting on the transition from university to the workplace, Charlie says: “At school you get told to go to university and your whole world will open up in terms of jobs and opportunities. Then once you’ve been to university, industry says you need experience and professional qualifications too. Most of my friends that completed degrees this summer are struggling to find work, even just temporary part-time jobs. It’s demoralising. Graduates have a lot of debt and the promises about our futures don’t seem to be a reality anymore. I feel fortunate to have this apprenticeship. 

“I really enjoyed my time at university, but it would be hugely helpful if my degree had incorporated industry-standard qualifications, such as personal training, lifeguarding, group exercise or swimming teaching. While my degree provided strong theoretical knowledge in aspects such as physiology, biomechanics and psychology, vocational qualifications would significantly improve graduate employability and streamline the pathway into a job.” 

Building a career in the leisure industry 

Through his apprenticeship at Mytime Active, Charlie has gained his RLSS Lifeguard qualification and hopes to upskill further with his PT qualifications and possibly swimming teaching too. 

Charlie says: “I work in the business operationally four days a week and then have a day of structured study and learning. Most of the time I am working as a lifeguard, but will also help reception, duty mangers and customer services.” 

Looking ahead, Charlie plans to leverage his academic background alongside his apprenticeship to build a multi-skilled profile. He explains: “I'm happy to experience different departments during my apprenticeship but in the long term I’m interested in personal training and leisure management roles. In today’s world it’s difficult to have a dream or an end destination, but I’m really enjoying being part of the team at Mytime Active, and who knows where this will take me.”