Active Sefton is inviting unemployed residents with an interest in sports and fitness to an open day for its ‘ground-breaking’ training programme on Monday February 26, 10.30am-12.00pm, at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre.

Aspiring Instructors is a 16-week course targeted at unemployed Sefton residents and designed to help get people into a new career within the sports and fitness industry.

Developed by the council and part funded by the Ways to Work ESF programme, it will help to improve skills and employability for residents across the borough.

Set to begin in March, the ‘life-changing’ programme will combine a mix of coaching and work placement with attendees’ receiving nationally recognised qualifications on completion of the course.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Aspiring Instructors has proved very popular in previous years, with many attendees qualifying as Outdoor Activities Instructors, Fitness Instructors and Lifeguards.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for anybody who is looking for a career in health and fitness and who in the future will have the skills to promote health and wellbeing across the borough.”

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, added: “This is a ground-breaking unemployment programme that has helped Sefton residents to learn new skills, increase employability, socialise and get active.

“Despite the financial challenges the council is facing we remain committed and use every opportunity we can to build resilient communities in line with our 2030 vision and this is one of the examples of how we are doing it.

“I urge anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness to get in touch with Sefton@Work and book a place on the open day.”

Jo O’Brien was a part of the 2016 Aspiring Instructors course and now does casual coaching hours for Crosby Lakeside Activity Centre as well as getting involved in other Active Sefton programmes. She said: “Being part of the Aspiring Instructors programme was one of the best things that I have ever done – it has changed my life.

“I gained skills I would never have dreamed I was capable of, and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to take part.”

The open day is free to attend and is open to all Sefton residents who are interested in the programme. For more information please contact Active Sefton on 0151 288 6278.