New Ipswich Sport and Leisure partnership with Suffolk New College

Published28th December 2022

Ipswich Borough Council’s Sports and Leisure Service has partnered with Suffolk New College to provide work placements for its Level 2 Sport students.

15 students will benefit from hands-on experience working at sports facilities in Ipswich before the end of July 2023.

They will each receive training in customer service and other front of house operations as well as gain a thorough understanding of gym and fitness programmes and coaching for both children and adults. Students will learn about all Ipswich Borough Council’s sports and leisure facilities including swimming pools and the local community outreach programme.

Active Suffolk is also funding dedicated courses to support student development during their placements, with the chance to gain coaching, gym instructor, lifeguard and other related qualifications.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, says:

“We are delighted to establish this placement programme with Suffolk New College. It’s vital that young people have the chance to gain hands on skills and experience that equip them to enter employment once they achieve their qualification.”  

Lee Mandley, Director of Services at Suffolk New College, adds:

“Sport at Suffolk New College is delighted to partner with Ipswich Borough Council and Active Suffolk, for the benefit of young people looking to progress a career in sport, fitness, and leisure.

“Working closely with key stakeholders and employers, we can provide students with a range of qualifications, skills, and experiences to help them develop. With this programme students will gain valuable industry experience from a range of sport and leisure facilities across Ipswich.”

The first student placements in this new partnership project started in December 2022 and will run until July 2023.

Image credit – Ipswich Borough Council

Pictured: Three Suffolk New College students to benefit from the partnership; Rohan Grant-Smith, Alex Moore and Otilia Deans with Lee Mandley and Gareth Morris of Suffolk New College; Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities & Sport, and, Andrew Wilesmith, Ipswich Borough Council’s Sport and Leisure Manager.