Apprenticeships with PGL

We recognise the importance our employees play in the continued success of PGL and are committed to the ongoing training and personal development of all our staff. Many who join us each year will progress to senior positions during their time with PGL thanks to our Emergent Manager Programme and Senior Assessment Events.

Our comprehensive job-related training programme provides you with an outstanding introduction to working in the outdoor, hospitality or customer service industry as well as the opportunity to gain valuable, nationally-recognised qualifications along the way.

The PGL Apprenticeship Scheme

Anyone who joins us for the first time with limited or no previous relevant experience will automatically join us initially on the PGL Apprenticeship Scheme. This provides an industry-leading package of training, support and qualifications, enabling people to join PGL at a range of experience levels.

The first level of the PGL Apprenticeship Scheme leads to the Level 2 Award in Introductory Work in the Outdoors, awarded by the National Open College Network.

Staff who gain the relevant experience with PGL through the foundation programme or arrive at PGL with relevant experience can progress onto the next levels of the scheme by applying for a place on our Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship or Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship programmes.

There are no age restrictions for our Apprenticeship programmes. We firmly believe in investing in the talent within our staff team and will fund those not normally eligible for government grants, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of age or nationality.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships

Towards the end of your first season with PGL, you will have the opportunity to apply for a place on our nationally-recognised Apprenticeship programmes.

If you are employed in a catering or support team role, you'll also have the option to apply for a place during your first season if you show the talent and aptitude.

PGL’s Learning and Development Team have supported hundreds of PGL staff to complete these programmes through regular support visits, work assessments and portfolio planning. In addition to your normal work-based duties, you’ll need to manage your learning, gather evidence and complete assignments. You’ll be supported from start to finish and the qualification is yours for life. It’s a challenging yet enjoyable journey and the rewards are big!

We are pleased to offer Apprenticeships in:

Active Leisure and Learning
Hospitality, including Catering, Drink Services and Front Office
Customer Service

Apprenticeships are nationally-recognised packages of training that cover all industries and job types. These qualifications are highly valued by employers because they’re delivered in the workplace so give people the real skills and knowledge required to do a great job. The nationally recognised qualifications we offer are accredited by external awarding organisations.

Between them, these programmes cover all job roles, providing a progression route and qualifications for everyone. Our Apprenticeship candidates are supported throughout their programme by a dedicated PGL Learning and Development Officer who will visit you on a regular basis, and will always be at the end of a phone or email for assistance.

In 2011, 200 PGL employees were enrolled on Apprenticeship programmes at Levels 2 and 3.

Instructing Roles

Our instructing staff have the opportunity to gain the nationally-recognised Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning as well as a range of National Governing Body coaching and personal development awards, Key Skills certificates and an NVQ award in one of the following (dependent on your job role):

Activity Leadership
Outdoor Programmes

Find out more about our Apprenticeships in Active Leisure and Learning>

National Governing Body Awards

We work with all the major National Governing Bodies to enable you to gain activity qualifications at all levels through our on-going development programme.

Read more about the National Governing Bodies we work with>

In 2011 alone, PGL staff gained 1,250 National Governing Body awards thanks to PGL-funded training courses.

Catering Roles

Our catering staff can work towards the nationally-recognised Apprenticeship in Hospitality as well as gain a range of Functional Skills, Technical Certificates and an NVQ award in one of the following (dependent on your job role):

Kitchen Services
Food Preparation and Cooking
Professional Cookery (Preparation)
Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

Opportunities are available for Catering Assistants all the way through to Catering Managers.

Find out more about our Apprenticeships in Hospitality>

Support Team Roles

Our support staff can enrol on the nationally-recognised Apprenticeship in Hospitality or Customer Service and gain a range of Key Skills and an NVQ award in one of the following (dependent on your job role):

Customer Service
Drink Service
Front Office

Find out more about our Apprenticeships in Customer Service>