The recent Pembrokeshire Leisure Training Celebration event, held at the e.Commerce Centre, Pembroke Dock, was a milestone for Pembrokeshire County Council's leisure department. The event celebrated the success of its staff with the presentation of over 70 certificates of competence against the National Occupational Standards. Mark Lewis, director of finance and leisure for Pembrokeshire County Council, said the authority has invested over £20 million in the leisure infrastructure. It had also received funding from the Department of Lifelong Learning and Skills (DELLS) and European Social Fund (ESF) Objective 1 and 3 for training to support this investment. Training has been delivered by award-winning provider, Icon Vocational Training Ltd, with the aim that local communities enjoy the highest standards of service available in the UK. Mr. Lewis paid tribute to the staff, many of whom have progressed onto higher awards and also enjoyed promotion at work. His praise was shared by Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for sports, leisure, tourism and cultural services, who presented the certificates. Other celebration days are planned for the future to recognise excellence and achievement at all Pembrokeshire Leisure facilities. Icon Vocational Training, a top UK provider, has successfully worked in partnership with the Council's Leisure Department for two years and the two organisations have done much to support Welsh Assembly initiatives such as Health Challenge Wales, Climbing Higher and Next Steps. At a recent ESTYN inspection this collaboration was recognised as being outstanding and will certainly continue for the future. It is hoped that this collaboration will set a benchmark in Wales.
