Sports Science Learner’s Future Career in Good Shape Following Industry Placement at Local Leisure Centre
Industrious North Notts College learner Jasmine Harris-Hart has seen her hard work on an industry placement at Retford Leisure Centre rewarded with a contracted receptionist role at the busy community facility.
The first-year Level 3 Sports Science learner combined her study at Retford Post-16 Centre (campus of North Notts College) with a 45-day industry placement as a Trainee Receptionist at the thriving Barnsley Premier Leisure run facility.
Reflecting on her placement at the leisure centre Jasmine said: “I got to see a lot of what goes on behind the scenes and what goes on internally within the business. Things like the marketing, sales and the range of available memberships. It was much more than just the day-to-day tasks of serving customers, answering phone calls and responding to email enquiries.
“One of the challenges I had to overcome was talking to customers over the phone; I used to get a bit panicked if I didn’t know the answer to a question. As I built-up my knowledge I became much calmer and more confident.
“My industry placement has opened up opportunities for me not just for now but for the future too. The placement has improved my confidence and communication skills, especially with customers.
“They’d like me to do my Level 2 Health and Fitness qualification so that I can become a Gym Instructor and eventually maybe a Personal Trainer and Fitness Class Instructor.”
North Notts College Curriculum Team Leader for Sport and Public Services Charlotte Prentice teaches Jasmine and helped arrange the industry placement.
Charlotte said: “Jasmine is so self-determined and incredibly proactive. She knows exactly what she wants to do and is aiming for a role at Swim England eventually.
“Our industry placements are designed to give our learners an insight into what their chosen industry is really like. It is an opportunity for learners to gain skills that cannot be taught in the classroom alongside industry-specific knowledge.
“It’s been amazing to watch Jasmine’s confidence grow and it’s so rewarding to see her industry placement has led to her gaining employment and an offer to upskill so she can work as a Gym Instructor.”