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

16 year old Luke Power from Greenwich received the prestigious award from actress Amanda Holden at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London on 10 July 2008 having impressed the judges with his commitment, achievement and demonstration of the way the scheme has benefited his life.

Luke embarked on his career in the leisure industry when he signed up to take a two-year Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching alongside his GCSE’s.

The programme was divided between teaching time at London Leisure College and Eltham Green Specialist Sports College and work placements in local employers including the David Beckham Academy, Bean and Co and Venture Health Club where Luke is now working full time. Greenwich Council, who hold the contract for the scheme, and the Greenwich Employer Business Partnership supported the delivery partners in maximising the benefits to local business and the students whilst maintaining students’ academic achievements at their Schools in Greenwich.

Although Luke was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age he was able to gain the confidence needed to complete his assignments whilst still studying for his GCSE’s.   

“I began to use my determination and thirst for success to improve my performance, and the Young Apprenticeship Programme boosted my efforts tremendously,” said Luke. “My programme started as I commenced my GCSE studies and so it helped me tackle my exams in an independent and more confident way.”

 

Neil MacGillivray, Head of Sport, Leisure & Tourism for London Leisure College, said Luke is a cut above the other students.

“Luke overcame a lot of challenges and was a pleasure of a student. I can’t say enough good things about him,” said Neil. “I’ve been teaching for a long time, and he is just the single, most outstanding student I’ve ever come across.”

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

“Had it not been for this programme, we would not have been introduced to Luke and we would have been the poorer for it.”

 

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.