08/10/2026
Graduating with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Portsmouth, Charlie found himself facing a tough graduate job market. Despite years of hard work, breaking into the leisure industry required more than just theoretical knowledge, it demanded practical, industry-standard qualifications and real-world experience.
To bridge this gap, Charlie joined Mytime Active as a Recreational Assistant through an 18-month paid apprenticeship at The Spa in Beckenham. Combining operational experience like lifeguarding with structured study through training provider SCL Education Group, the pathway allows him to earn fully funded professional qualifications while gaining hands-on workplace experience.
Charlie shares: “Most of my friends that completed degrees this summer are struggling to find work, even just temporary part-time jobs. I feel fortunate to have this apprenticeship. While my degree provided strong theoretical knowledge, vocational qualifications significantly improve graduate employability and streamline the pathway into a job."
Now equipped with his RLSS Lifeguard qualification and working across multiple operational departments, Charlie is building a versatile skill set with plans to pursue personal training and leisure management roles. Charlie says: “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 what this is the start of.”
Read more about Charlie here: https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/wellbeing-mission/starting-out-leisure
