Lifetime Training has signed a deal to provide level 2 and 3 apprenticeship programmes across Serco Leisure's portfolio of fitness centres.

Serco, which operates more than 60 facilities across the UK, has a target of 5 per cent of its workforce – around 150 learners – enrolled on courses in the next 12 months, after it reviewed its provision of apprenticeships.

Courses offered will focus on fitness programmes, but front-of-house, sales and housekeeping roles will also be supported.

Apprentices and their managers will be using Lifetime Training’s tracking app, giving everyone involved the opportunity to see exactly where each learner is with their apprenticeship.

Jon Hymus, Serco Leisure commercial director, said: “This is another really positive move for Serco Leisure. We want our employees to have the best training and support available and we feel confident Lifetime can provide that.

"For us, it’s all about showing our people that we’re with them for the long term; that leisure is an industry they can stay in and really progress.”

Matt Robinson, operations director for active leisure at Lifetime Training, said: “We are increasingly seeing forward-looking businesses in the sector, like Serco Leisure, evaluating and evolving their people strategies to ensure they are fit for purpose.

"With more than 20 years’ experience delivering quality training programmes our team is well placed to build on the existing skills of Serco’s employees and to support new recruits joining the business and industry for the first time.”