Post Title: Lifeguard/Leisure Assistant and Duty Manager Apprenticeships
SBU/Department: Hertfordshire Sports Village (HSV)/Operations
FTE: 1 fte (working 37.5 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Permanent
Annual Leave: 23 days plus standard public holidays rising to 26 days after 4 years continuous service
Location: Hertfordshire Sports Village, Hatfield
This is an amazing opportunity for someone who is looking to progress their career within the leisure industry and enjoys helping and interacting with people. You will be part of a highly motivated team who have a passion for delivering inclusive, high-quality sports services, to a diverse range of students, staff, and community users from first experience to elite performers, which includes Watford FC and London Mavericks Netball. The successful applicant will play a key role in delivering services across our operation.
Working as part of a seven-day operation including bank holidays, the successful candidate must be available to work the following shifts: 6am-2pm and 2pm–11pm but not limited to, as part of a shift rota.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Working as part of the Leisure Operations team, this role will support the Duty Management team in the smooth and efficient running of Hertfordshire Sports Village. The role involves helping to maintain high standards across the facility, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for customers, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements and operational standards.
Lifeguarding is a key aspect of this role and an integral part of the apprenticeship. The successful candidate will be supported to achieve and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), allowing them to become a fully qualified and active lifeguard. Training is planned for the October half-term break (26-31 October 2026, 08:00-17:00) and forms an essential part of the programme.
MAIN PURPOSE OF APPRENTICESHIP
In years 1 and 2 the postholder will study the Leisure Team Member Level 2 apprenticeship, as well as completing relevant courses associated with the job role including lifeguard and fitness instructor L2. This will be followed in years 3 and 4 by the Leisure Duty Manager Level 3 apprenticeship as well as an option to complete a fitness instructor L3. On successful completion of both apprenticeships the postholder will be appointed to Trainee Duty Manager and continue to support the duty management team.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The successful applicant will have a keen interest in sport and fitness, be a confident swimmer and be able to work as part of a team in a customer facing environment. Previous experience in a customer facing environment is desirable. Attention to detail is essential, as is a proactive approach and an ability to inspire and motivate others.
Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office are crucial for this role. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential. You will have a positive “can do” attitude, be flexible and adaptable in approach and be motivated to learn new skills.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Educated with a minimum of GCSE’S in Maths and English grade D/3 or above, or equivalent qualification
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
Internal applicants– please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.
We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING WILL YOU RECEIVE?
This is a 48-month apprenticeship programme where the successful applicant will undertake the Leisure Team Member apprenticeship and subsequent Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship with a local training provider and will receive the required off-the-job-learning to complete their training activities within the workplace. All training is supported by a workplace mentor and their line manager.
As part of the Leisure Team Member Level 2 apprenticeship, you will also obtain the following industry recognised qualifications:
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IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (26-31 October 2026, 08:00-17:00 - attendance mandatory)
- A Swim England Level 2 in Teaching Swimming or a STA level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming,
- Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instruction awarded by; Focus Awards, Active IQ, Innovate Awarding, NCFE, VCTC or YMCA Awards
- Level 3 certificate in First Aid (to be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as a separate part of the IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding).
- As part of the Level 3 apprenticeship, you will obtain a First aid at work certificate and Pool Plant Operator qualification.
On successful completion of the level 2 and level 3 apprenticeships there will be an opportunity to continue onto a Degree Apprenticeship relevant to the business and its requirements.
APPRENTICESHIP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
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The candidate should not have undertaken any previous training which would duplicate the training they will receive under the apprenticeship.
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The University is required to meet UKVI visa regulations, and we are not able to sponsor for this position. You must have been a UK/EEA/EU resident for the last 3 years.
REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE
This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as amended. The University requires that the successful applicant who is offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. An Enhanced Disclosure will be required and this will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The University of Hertfordshire complies with the ‘Code of Practice for Registered Persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information’.
Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad
Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each of those countries.
For further information or an informal chat about the role please contact: Matt Coleman (Operations Manager),
[email protected]
Closing Date: 16 August 2026
Interview Date: 08 September 2026
Reference Number: REQ000845
Date advert placed: 29 July 2026
Proudly named as one of Leisure and Hospitality’s 20 Best Companies to Work For in 2021, Hertfordshire Sports Village invests, listens, and cares about our team. Staff benefits include free use of facilities inc. staff ‘happy hour’ included within working week, progressive structure with ability to progress and grow within. Access to gain and undertake further qualifications and training. UniDays, NUS and Galleria discount cards, discounted travel on UNO buses and regular staff social events.
Our vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts
