CMS Vocational Training Celebrates Apprenticeship Milestone

Batley-based CMS Vocational Training (CMS VOC) is celebrating placing over 30 apprentices with Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) in the last two years, of which 50 per cent are aged 16-18 years old, providing a boost to local youth employment.

CMS VOC became an approved apprenticeship and training provider for KAL, which manages 14 leisure facilities and swimming pools on behalf of Kirklees Council, in 2009. The company has since delivered training for over 200 learners, supporting over 85 apprentices into customer service and health and fitness roles; and training over 120 KAL employees seeking additional qualifications and career development through its CMS Fitness Courses brand.

To mark the milestone, CMS has sponsored the ‘Outstanding Apprentice of the Year’ Award at the KAL Celebration Event, an annual event celebrating KAL’s employees and their achievements throughout the year.

The winner of the award was James Turton (17) from Mirfield who works at Dewsbury Sports Centre and completed his ‘Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Active Leisure Learning and Well Being Operational Services’ with CMS VOC. He was recognised for continual hard work and commitment towards his apprenticeship and was presented with his award by Hadyn Luke, director at CMS VOC, at the prestigious award ceremony held at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

Since completing his apprenticeship, James has accepted a full-time role with KAL as a sports activator, promoting sport, exercise and physical activity across Kirklees and will take up his role in the New Year.

KAL Apprentice of the Year, James Turton, said: “Securing an apprenticeship after my GCSEs was the best option for me and I haven’t looked back since. Working with CMS has given me the best start in working towards my future career. My personal tutor, Jodie, helped me through my apprenticeship, expanding my knowledge and encouraging me to strive to be the best I can be. This helped me to develop at KAL as I trained in different departments throughout my apprenticeship and I have since gained a new, more senior, role there. I am delighted to have won KAL’s Apprentice of the Year and I can’t thank KAL, CMS, and especially Jodie, enough for this opportunity and for their support.”

Hadyn Luke, director at CMS VOC said: “James’ achievements at KAL are the perfect example of the benefits an apprentice can bring to both an individual and a business; as well as boosting youth employment which is great for the local economy. James has worked so hard and I’m delighted to hear that he has recently secured a full-time role with KAL which is testament to his efforts and to the opportunities apprenticeships offer. We are delighted to sponsor this award and proud of James’ many achievements during his apprenticeship which are reflected in him being named ‘Outstanding Apprentice for 2016′.”

CMS VOC, which has been delivering apprenticeship and commercial training for over 30 years, and CMS Fitness Courses, which was established in 2009, are committed to helping people of all ages, backgrounds and industries, find the right course and training programme and apprenticeship so they can progress in their chosen career or embark on a new career.

For further information about CMS Vocational Training Ltd and CMS Fitness Courses please visit: www.cmsvoc.co.uk or www.cmsfitnesscourses.co.uk.