Following celebrations of 100 apprentices starting their journey in Sandwell, we hear from some of the apprentices in Sandwell who are Making It Sandwell.
Find out more about the 100 Apprentices appointed by Sandwell Council as part of its Sandwell Story commitment here and the latest apprenticeships available here. For more about how to find apprenticeships, courses or careers in Sandwell, visit our Making It In Sandwell page here.
Hear from apprentices at Sandwell Council, Sandwell College, KORE Sandwell and other local employers.
Priya, Talent Acquisition Apprentices
Nayt, Carpenter Apprentice
Leshanae, Housing Assistant Apprentice
Joshua, Customer Service Apprentice
Josh, Sandwell Youth Service Apprentice
James, Painting & Decorating Apprentice
Ezekiya, Admin Apprentice Systems Planner
Amara, HR Support Apprentice
Abdul, Housing Hub Apprentice
Kore Sandwell (formerly Sandwell Leisure Trust) has offered a breadth of apprenticeships across its eight affordable centres since 2021. All participants that passed their course have secured permanent employment and continue to develop their skills and qualifications with Kore Sandwell.
Blake Hadley, recently started working for Kore Sandwell as a qualified Swim Teacher at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, after passing his apprenticeship. He hopes to progress into term-time teaching, coaching and a trainer assessor role, to help others take their first steps into the leisure industry.
Gaining experience in the gym, on reception, lifeguarding, swim teaching and padel coaching, he’s developed a broad skillset and a deep understanding of leisure operations. He says;
“It’s been a brilliant experience and I loved every minute, especially doing outreach work and going into schools, teaching swimming, and doing career and open days. I’ve continued to build on my learning by achieving Multi-Skills Level 2, enabling me to coach at dry sites as well. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn such a variety of skills and I’d recommend it to any young person starting out.”
Harrison Hanson came to Kore on a L3 apprenticeship and undertook a Sports & Health Officer qualification. Having passed with distinction, he’s now taken up a coaching role at Tipton Sports Academy and has just been nominated for Apprentice of the Year by Kore’s apprenticeship partner, Aspire Training Solutions.
Jesse Painter is another apprentice who’s training at Portway Lifestyle Centre on Oldbury to become a gym instructor specialising in strength and conditioning. Following a run of bad football injuries and breaking his hip twice, he’s aiming to help others avoid the types of injuries and setbacks he’s experienced.
You can find the latest jobs and apprenticeships available at Kore on their website https://www.korewellness.co.uk/
