A sporting chance

3:24pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A GREENWICH student on a sports apprenticeship programme run by London Leisure College and Eltham Green Specialist Sports College has been named Young Apprentice of the Year.

Luke Power, 16, from Greenwich, won the award at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London after impressing judges with his commitment and demonstration of the way the scheme has benefited him.

Luke started his career in the leisure industry when he signed up for a two-year Young Apprenticeship in sports management, leadership and coaching alongside his GCSEs.

The programme was divided between teaching time at London Leisure College and Eltham Green Specialist Sports College and work placements with employers, including the David Beckham Academy, Bean and Co and Venture Health Club, where Luke is now working full time.

Greenwich Council, which holds the contract for the scheme, and the Greenwich Employer Business Partnership supported the delivery partners in maximising the benefits to business and the students while maintaining students' academic achievements at their schools in Greenwich.

Although Luke was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, he gained the confidence needed to complete his assignments while still studying for his GCSEs.

Luke said: "I began to use my determination to improve my performance and the Young Apprenticeship Programme boosted my efforts tremendously."

Neil MacGillivray, head of sport, leisure and tourism for London Leisure College, said Luke is a cut above the other students.

He said: "Luke overcame a lot of challenges and was a pleasure of a student. I can't say enough good things about him.

"I've been teaching for a long time and he is the single most outstanding student I've ever come across."

Luke's employer Gary Adams of Venture Health Club is delighted accepting Luke on a work experience placement has had such a positive impact on his organisation.

Luke is now an ambassador for Young Apprenticeships, giving presentations to other young people on the benefits of pursuing a learn-while-you-earn scheme.