When a group of Aberdare students were offered the chance to secure an official Lifeguarding qualification that would support their studies AND boost their careers – they dived right in!
The training was delivered to Aberdare Community School’s A Level sports students by Corey Matthews, who completed his NPLQ when he was a pupil at the school and used it to secure a job with Leisure for Life at Sobell Leisure Centre.
Corey has since flown through the ranks and is now in charge of the training and assessing of the Lifeguards who keep swimmers safe, and a senior Recreation and Fitness instructor and duty manager.
As a former sports student, Corey was keen to support a partnership that enabled other young people to enjoy practical experience in their chosen field and attain qualifications towards a job – maybe as the lifeguards, fitness instructors and overall motivators upon whom Leisure for Life and its customers depend!
Corey and the team at Sobell Leisure Centre worked with Matthew Trowbridge, Director of Learning for Sport and Wellbeing at Aberdare Community School to create the pilot partnership.
The 17 students were put through their paces on the official NPLQ training all Leisure for Life lifeguards undertake. It’s a transferable skill that, if kept updated, can be used across the world.
The students left the classroom to learn in an environment that gave them an insight into the sport and leisure world they have chosen to study.
Each passed with flying colours and, importantly, represented themselves and the school exceptionally well, impressing their tutors and Leisure for Life staff alike.
Matthew Trowbridge said: “From early conversations about how we could work together, to the delivery of the course, we have been so impressed with the partnership and look forward to future projects with Leisure for Life and Sobell Leisure Centre.
“We are so proud of how our students responded with enthusiasm, dedication and commitment as they enjoyed a flavour of CPD in the real world and a testing course.
“Corey was an exceptional leader who balanced the demands of the course with building a rapport with the students and supporting them as individuals.
“We look forward to future partnerships, giving students a taste of their future careers and the opportunities in leisure that are available for them.”
Corey Matthews said: “I’m grateful to be able to deliver experience and the qualifications to the students, giving them an insight into Leisure for Life and the opportunities available to them.
“Going from 17 non-swimmers to passing an NPLQ course is an amazing achievement - the students should be very proud of themselves. I wish them well in their studies and look forward to welcoming at least a few of them to their new roles in Leisure for Life when the time comes.”
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “The Council’s Leisure for Life service is special because it’s heavily focussed on our communities.
“Leisure for Life stays with people for generations. The same older residents who are attending low impact classes to stay active and social now, learned to swim in our pools – their children and grandchildren are enjoying the gyms, pools, sports and fitness classes at our 12 centres.
“That close sense of community is also reflected in our staff, many of whom grew up in the county borough, with partnerships such Corey’s to provide support, experience and inspiration to younger people as they start their leisure careers.
“Each of the pupils who completed the NPLQ course should be exceptionally proud of themselves for what they have achieved and the progress they have made. I wish them all the very best as they continue their studies and look forward to seeing them working in one of our centres one day!
“I also want to thank the team at Sobell Leisure Centre for their commitment to the community and, especially, the students looking to follow in their footsteps one day.”
Find your nearest Leisure for Life centre and check out their pool, fitness class and gym timetables here:Choose a Centre
Get the latest information on membership here.
We offer reduced membership for those aged under 18 or over 60, those on qualifying benefits and those who work for, or are a member of, one of our Corporate Partners. We also have the pilot town centre membership scheme covering Llantrisant, Talbot Green, Pontypridd and Tonyrefail and are proud to support our Blue Light workers and Armed Forces members with discounts on pay as you go and reduced Leisure for Life memberships.
NPLQ courses run at Leisure for Life centres throughout the year, make sure you follow us on socials for the latest opportunities.
Posted on 28/04/2025