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STEP INTO SPORT & LEISURE - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH XCITE AT WEST LOTHIAN LEISURE (JAN)

  • Start date:   January 2027
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 4
  • Course Type:   Short Full-time

STEP INTO SPORT & LEISURE - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH XCITE AT WEST LOTHIAN LEISURE (JAN)

This short full-time course will give students the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to progress into employment with Xcite in roles such as a Pool Lifeguard or Customer Service, whilst also enhancing their academic qualifications to allow progression to higher levels of study.  

 

Xcite is the brand name for West Lothian Leisure sports and fitness venues who provide fitness, sport, leisure, culture, outdoor learning and wellbeing across West Lothian.  

So much more than just a gym they are there to improve the lives of our local communities and provide a place for people to come together to get fit, healthy & feel great.   

Whether you go in for a workout in their gyms, a dip in the pool, or to take a class with friends- they welcome everyone. 

 

Start date - 18 January 2027  

End date - June 2027

SCQF Level -4  

Mode   - Short Full Time    

Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday   
Times: 9am - 4pm   
Duration: 18 Weeks 

 

  • What the course includes

    This course includes introductory coaching qualifications with the additional option of industry recognised qualifications such as the NPLQ. 

    The NPLQ is the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification which 89% of Duty Managers and above at Xcite have. 

    The course includes units that will support you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a role within the leisure industry. 

    This includes dealing with facilities and equipment and skills for employment that develop understanding of the importance of communication and presentation in a customer focused leisure centre environment. 

pickleball

Why choose this course?

This course provides a real opportunity to seek employment within the leisure industry with our partner organisation Xcite. Every student that successfully completes the course and applies for a role will be guaranteed an interview for a position in roles such as a Pool Lifeguard or Customer Service Assistant.   

A key part of the 'Step into Leisure' course has the NPLQ as an optional extra, so if you wanted the option of employment with Xcite as a Lifeguard then this is the option for you.  

The NPLQ programme will be towards the end of your course, giving plenty of time to develop your swimming proficiency. Regulations state that every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:  

  • Jump/dive into deep water  
  • Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds  
  • Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water  
  • Tread water for 30 seconds  
  • Surface dive to the floor of the pool  
  • Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits  

You don't need to be able to do these at the start of the 'Step into Sport & Leisure' course but develop yourself to be able to do them ready for the commencement of your NPLQ.  

Entry requirements

  • At least two National 4 qualifications or equivalent, which preferably includes English .
  • We may consider applications from people who do not have these qualifications but can demonstrate the appropriate skills, qualities and experience to be a success on the course and the role(s).  
  • Applicants must receive a satisfactory PVG check. 
  • If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.  
  • Graduation 2024

    Where it leads

    This course may lead directly into employment with Xcite or onto further study in Sport or Fitness related courses at West Lothian College.  

Interview arrangements

Please expect to be in college for around two hours and bring evidence of any qualifications. The interview will include some practical activity in line with what you will experience whilst on the course as well as some group and individual discussions.  

Interview Questions 

Tell us why you have applied for the course?  

Have you ever applied for other college courses?  

If you are a school leaver: What school did you attend and what are you most proud of at school?   

Would you be happy for us to contact the school for a reference?  

If you are a non school leaver student: Tell us about what you have been doing since you left school  and what are you most proud of?  

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for working within Sport and Fitness specifically in the Leisure sector such as Xcite?  

What challenges have you previously experienced in education and how did you overcome them?  

What are you most looking forward to coming to college?  

Did you ever had learning support at school and will you need this if you come to college? 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?  

Do you have any questions about college or the course? 

Do you have a support worker and can we have their details to contact them? 

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