Teenagers explored the potential of a career in leisure during a trip to Horfield Leisure Centre.
Operator Everyone Active welcomed 25 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from New Siblands School and New Fosseway School, to a new pilot scheme offering insights into accessible careers in the sport and leisure sector.
The leisure operator has teamed up with Bristol WORKS to create its new Community Partner Schools Programme, which will allow up to 16 local schools to partner with Everyone Active to help increase physical activity levels among school age children.
The inclusive day enabled students to try their hand at different roles within a leisure centre following a guided tour of the facility to observe skills.
After discovering the office, reception, gym, soft play, café and fitness rooms, students had a chance to see how colleagues working in these spaces interact with customers.
Students, aged 12 to 16, were split into groups to explore the centre – with one group taking part in a buoyancy challenge in the pool while learning about the responsibilities of lifeguards and swimming coaches.
The second group explored the centre’s immersive yoga and wellness studio.
The final group made their way to reception and engaged in how colleagues answer customer questions while learning about how individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) use the site.
Daniel Palmer, civic partnership manager at Everyone Active, said: “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and engagement of students from New Fosseway and New Siblands Schools and welcome them into the world of sport and leisure for a day.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be working in partnership with Bristol WORKS.”
Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities policy committee, said: “All children deserve equal opportunity to thrive after finishing their studies, so it’s fantastic to see the partnership between the council’s Bristol WORKS team and Everyone Active making a real difference in the lives of children and young people who may face barriers to entering the world of work.”