Edinburgh Leisure launches fully funded Summer of Sport Workforce Development Programme for young people
03 July 2026
Young people aged 16–25 who are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET) have the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications and kick-start a career in the leisure sector through Edinburgh Leisure’s fully funded Summer of Sport Workforce Development Programme.
The programme offers participants the chance to achieve a range of nationally recognised qualifications, including:
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
- Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ)
- Introduction to Teaching Swimming
- Emergency First Aid Qualification
The programme is designed to help young people build confidence, develop practical skills and improve their employment prospects, while supporting the future workforce in Edinburgh’s leisure and sport sector.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be aged 16 or over by the date of the final assessment.
- Be aged 25 or under.
- Be currently not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Applicants will also need to demonstrate the following swimming abilities:
- Jump or dive into deep water.
- Swim 50 metres in under 60 seconds.
- Swim 100 metres continuously using front and back strokes.
- Tread water for 30 seconds in deep water.
- Surface dive to the bottom of the pool.
- Climb out of the pool unaided (where pool design permits).
This is an excellent opportunity for young people interested in developing new skills, gaining industry-recognised qualifications and exploring a rewarding career in leisure, sport and aquatics.