We recently spoke with Richard Orme, Operations Manager at Conwy, to discuss their long-standing partnership with COPA.
For several years, Conwy has integrated a diverse range of active leisure apprenticeships into its core professional development strategy. Richard reflects on how this commitment to staff growth is delivering a tangible impact across the entire organisation.
Partnering with COPA
Since starting my role as Operations Manager, I have been dealing with COPA for just over two years now. We currently have a large number of staff completing the following courses:
- Level 3 Diploma in Energy Management
- Level 2 Instructing Exercise & Fitness
- Level 3 – Personal Training
- Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Instructing Exercise and Fitness
- Level 3 Leisure Management
Commitment to Our People
Apprenticeships are vital for strengthening both our team and the organisation as a whole. By providing structured, job-specific training, these programmes develop highly skilled and motivated staff who are more confident and effective in their roles. This hands-on approach ensures that learning is practical and immediately impactful in the workplace.
When we offer these opportunities, it shows a clear commitment to our people – employees who feel valued are more likely to stay, which reduces recruitment costs and maintains consistency across our services.
By training staff in the exact areas where expertise is required, we ensure that our team works more efficiently and delivers better outcomes for both customers and colleagues.
Boosting Staff Morale and Engagement
The apprenticeship programme has had a huge impact across our service, strengthening several key areas of our operations.
By significantly improving skills throughout the workforce and boosting productivity, these programmes have directly enhanced both our service quality and overall efficiency.
Beyond operational success, we have seen a marked increase in staff morale and engagement; our team truly appreciates the investment in their professional development, which has created a more motivated and committed workforce.
The Future of the Leisure Industry
I see apprenticeships growing within the Leisure Service as it allows staff to develop new skills, which in turn helps the business. There is a greater reliance now on digital learning, which makes the training much more flexible for staff to complete.
Affordable Training Pathways
I would highly recommend apprenticeships to other businesses. They offer a cost-effective and practical way to develop staff while strengthening the organisation as a whole.
Apprenticeships help build a skilled, motivated workforce and provide clear pathways for progression, which in turn improves retention and reduces recruitment pressures.
They also bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and up-to-date knowledge into the workplace. For any business looking to invest in its people, improve service quality, and create a sustainable talent pipeline, apprenticeships are an excellent option.
Supporting Staff Progression
I would like to give a special mention to Chris Hughes. He has worked with a number of our staff, helping them to complete their courses, and goes above and beyond to support them.
As a manager, he keeps me informed of how the staff are progressing, which is crucial for me. I have known Chris for a number of years and I can’t speak highly enough of the work he has done with our staff – he is a credit to the COPA team.
Looking for training opportunities for your staff? Explore our range of active leisure courses.
