Pembrokeshire County Council's Leisure Services recently joined forces with Careers Wales West and Icon Vocational Training Ltd to present a unique learning opportunity for local Year 12 students. The day was based at Milford Haven Leisure Centre where staff and instructors were on hand to answer questions about their careers in the leisure sector. Sian Fair, manager, gave a talk about her career path before setting a challenge for the students to devise a 'Healthy Heart' day using the centre's resources under the banner 'Game On'. The winning team, from Greenhill School, were each presented with a six-month swim and gym membership, while Milford's runners up all received seven day passes to be used at any of Pembrokeshire's leisure centres. Everyone left with a healthy-living themed goody bag provided by Health Challenge Pembrokeshire to further emphasise the importance of exercise for an active and healthy future. Steve Church, of Milford Haven Comprehensive, was delighted with the day. "My Year 12 AS travel and tourism students were greatly surprised at the variety and high quality of the facilities at the leisure centre," he said. "The activities on the day encouraged teamwork and allowed the students to demonstrate research and presentation skills, all of which are intrinsic parts of their A-Level course. "The day allowed me, as a teacher, to enhance my pupils' learning experience and make quality contacts for the benefit of future students." Matthew Tucker, Icon Vocational Training Ltd., was also pleased with the success of the event: "Education and learning needs to be focused more around the learner and to include the fun factor. This was definitely achieved today with all learners participating, evidently enjoying themselves and, importantly, learning at the same time. "Days like today give learners invaluable practical experience and knowledge of the working environment, something that is not possible in the classroom." Icon Vocational Training, who work with a number of schools in England and Wales on Work Related Education, have been acknowledged by ESTYN who commended Icon on their excellent programmes. All involved agreed that the Game On day illustrated what can be achieved when organisations collaborate in partnership for the benefit of the community. Scott Evans, Careers Wales West, said: "It has been a pleasure for Careers Wales West to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council Leisure Services, Milford Haven Leisure Centre, and Icon Training in organising the 'Game On' event. "It proved to be a rewarding and enriching event for the pupils who gained a valuable insight into the sports and leisure sector. "We hope the day has given the students a taster of one of the range of exciting and interesting career opportunities within the local area."
