TWO West Devon leisure centres have offered a trio of young professionals the opportunity for a prestigious appren-ticeship.

Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton and Meadowlands Leisure Pool in Tavistock have taken on three full-time lifeguard apprentices.

Rebecca Cole, 20, Toby Parker, 16, and Thomas Ellacott, 19, have been selected to take part in the Lifeguard apprenticeship scheme at the leisure centres, which are organised in partnership with Icon Training.

The trio will take part in a mixture of training to develop their talent, on a course that includes all aspects of leisure operations, including health and safety, human resources, marketing, sales and customer excellence.

John Smith, contract manager for the leisure centres, said: 'The lifeguard apprenticeships last for a year and once they are completed, the apprentices will qualify for a full-time position within the company.

'However, the development and learning doesn't stop there and the employees will be encouraged to take the next level NVQ of their choice.

'We wish the three successful candidates well in their new roles and look forward to seeing Rebecca, Toby and Thomas really develop their skills.

'We will also be offering more apprenticeship positions in the new year.'

For information about the apprenticeships, visit http://www.icon-training.com">www.icon-training.com or register your interest at [email protected]">[email protected]