A Burnham-On-Sea teenager has become one of the first and youngest candidates in the country to be selected for the Government’s newest apprenticeship scheme.
Emily Kay Smith, 16, a pupil at Highbridge’s King Alfred School Academy, has been accepted onto the ‘Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship Standard’ scheme at Burnham’s Swim & Sports Academy.
Emily joined the Swim Academy at age six back in 2008 in Stage 1 and quickly progressed through to Stage 10 and graduated onto the Swim Team, where she advanced through to the highest performing squad in the region.
Emily has also excelled in the Lifeguard & Dive Academy, and went onto become a Young Aquatic Pool Side Helper, and Swim Academy Ambassador.
Sara Cox Conklin, from Burnham’s Swim & Sports Academy, said: “We are delighted to announce that a working partnership had been made between Burnham-On-Sea Swim & Sports Academy & Bridgwater & Taunton College to become one of the first venues in the country to offer this exciting new apprentice scheme.”
“Emily now has the opportunity to become a Professional Lifeguard, Swim Teacher, Fitness Instructor and gain first-hand experience of facility operations here at the Swim & Sports Academy.”
“The apprenticeship provides Emily the ability to ‘earn as she learns’ and gain valuable life skills along the way.”
“The new apprentice scheme combines hands-on work with the opportunity to train and obtain nationally approved qualifications with the UK’s top awarding bodies. Congratulations Emily, and welcome to the Swim & Sports Academy team!”
