Elevate
Elevate
Elevate
Leisure Opportunities
Job search
Job Search
see all jobs
Latest job opportunities
Mount Batten Group
c£65,000pa + pension + benefits
mount batten centre, plymouth
Harrow School
£13.71 per hour
Harrow, London
Everyone Active
Competitive rates of pay
South Oxhey Leisure Centre, Watford
Exeter City Council
£40,221 - £42,403pa + pension + benefits
Exeter
University of Warwick
£29,605 - £32,982pa + pension + benefits
Coventry, West Midlands
myCareer profile
Kaylë Burgham

Head of Aquatics

Walsall

STA

Kaylë Burgham began working in the leisure industry as a lifeguard when she was 15 years old. She joined the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) in 2011 as technical support officer for swimming, and has recently been named head of aquatics at the company.

What drew you to the leisure industry?

"I've always loved swimming and working with children. When I started to assist with lessons I saw first hand how much enjoyment both children and adults got from learning to swim. I then understood the importance of learning to swim and the life skill it is – and fully appreciated how important the role of a swimming teacher was. The more involved I got, the more I fell in love with teaching and swimming, and the more I knew I wanted to do this as a career."

What is your favourite part of your job?

"There are so many parts. I enjoy working with like-minded professionals to develop high-quality aquatic qualifications and seeing them successfully come to life in the pool. I have been incredibly lucky to have been given opportunities to travel the world and meet with many leading experts across a range of aquatic specialisms, from baby swimming to adult and disability swimming. I especially enjoy learning from people who share my love of swimming, and exploring the different emotional and psychological aspects of teaching so we as aquatic professionals can give our learners the most enjoyable learn to swim experience."

What are your goals?

"I am passionate about promoting the benefits of learning to swim in a learner focussed environment. I want to share this passion to inspire a new generation of aquatic professionals, and use my experience to shape future standards. Someone once told me to think wisely about the company you’re working for as they hold the key to your future. If they are constantly on the move, forward thinking and fun to work for, that allows you to grow with them."

What is your proudest moment?

"One of my proudest moments was launching the STA Level 3 Diploma in Aquatic Teaching – Baby and Pre-School qualification last year. I got to stand next to people who I respect and was recognised as a leading expert in baby swimming."

I am passionate about promoting the benefits of learning to swim in a learner-focused environment

More profiles

Area Fitness Manager

Everyone Active

I'm very passionate about fitness and want to help others feel the same

Director of Spa and Wellness

Mandarin Oriental London

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

I've always been fascinated by the healing power of nature on both the body and mind

Director of Park Operations

Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor

Guests' expectations for high-quality experiences are ever growing

Managing Director

Active IQ

There is an increasing need to equip fitness professionals with medical insight and training

Personal Trainer

David Weir Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

You have to be a certain type of person to be a PT – empathetic and able to deliver sessions tailored to the needs of individuals

Aquatics Project Manager, National Aquatics Team

GLL

Be passionate about helping everyone and continue to learn every single day.

Director of Operations

The Climbing Hangar

The leisure sector is an exciting, thriving industry that will only continue to grow

Creative Director

Holovis

This is a very buoyant time to be in the attractions industry. We're surrounded by new uses of tech

Local Activities Manager

Embassy Summer

The industry has done so much and it continues to develop itself

Recreation Team Leader, Watersports

Rutland Watersports

Anglian Water

Working outside, with people enjoying their leisure time, was where I wanted to be

Assistant General Manager

London Canning Town

The Gym Group

Fitness is personal, something that seems simple for one person can be lifechanging for another

Regional swim impact manager

Spelthorne Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

Seeing [children] lose their nerves and go home with a smile on their face is hugely rewarding.

Membership Consultant

Sunbury Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

I think apprenticeships are a great introduction to the work environment and help young people to become more mature, so when you do start working full-time, you’re ready for it

Actif Young People officer

Carmarthen based (West Carmarthenshire)

Actif Sport and Leisure

Never give up, try a bit of everything until you find what you really want to do and don’t be afraid to ask questions

Personal Trainer

Watford Woodside

Everyone Active

Making the leap into freelance personal training was quite daunting, but I was keen to have more time for training clients, as that’s what I really enjoy

Team Leader

Northolt Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

The support I was given enabled me to move up the ranks quickly and I was promoted to team leader after just a few months

Regional Contract Manager

South East

Everyone Active

I realised I had a passion for helping people get physically active and healthy

Senior Software Consultant

ClubWare

The leisure industry is fast to adopt new ideas and isn't afraid to try new things

Retail Assistant Manager

Aqua Sana at Center Parcs, Longleat

Center Parcs

This industry is so worthwhile. It takes a lot of skill, knowledge and training to be a good therapist

Swim lesson manager

Hucknall Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

I always enjoyed swimming as a child and I love seeing people progress, so becoming a teacher seemed the perfect role

General Manager

Vale of Glamorgan

Legacy Leisure

I have a real passion for sport and wanted to work in a role where I could make a difference.

National Swimming Development Manager

GLL

Swimming really enriches my life and improves my mental wellbeing

Active Young People Officer

Carmarthen bases (West Carmarthenshire)

Actif Sport and Leisure

Working within this industry has allowed me to grow as an individual

Fitness Instructor

Hartham Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

Last year I delivered a free, eight-week-long course of disability and limited mobility exercise classes to help show people what they can achieve

Communities and Group Exercise Manager

Stockport

Life Leisure

If we are going to get the nation fitter and healthier, we must look at how people of all ages can build exercise into their lives.

Regional Manager

PureGym

It's a real privilege to help people lead healthier lifestyles

School swim lesson manager

Westcroft Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

I love being part of the Everyone Active team – it feels like a family, with a really supportive and friendly environment. Working with experienced teachers means I’m learning and growing

Operations Manager

Kirklees Active Leisure

I love working with our customers, getting to know them, and helping them to achieve their goals.

General Manager

Oxford Castle & Prison

Continuum Attractions

My goal is to see Oxford Castle & Prison emerge as a must-see destination

Trainee Duty Manager

Swan Pool

Everyone Active

I’d encourage anyone interested in the fitness industry to consider an Everyone Active apprenticeship, there are so many opportunities for continual development

Owner

Turtle Tots West Yorkshire

Turtle Tots Ltd

Think outside the box and don't be put off by anyone else’s more conventional ideas.

Director of Aquatics

Water Babies

it’s great to see the impact we have on children and families across the world

General Manager

Crosby Leisure Centre, Liverpool

Parkwood Leisure

I enjoy hearing positive feedback from customers and staff alike

Water Sports Development Officer

Llandysul paddlers Canoe Centre

Actif Sport and Leisure

Once you have worked out which area of the industry you would rather work in, get as many relevant qualifications as possible.

Sales Manager

Watford Central Leisure Centre

Everyone Active

I quickly progressed to assistant fitness manager, then sales manager. Being presented with such great opportunities brought out my ambitious side!

Certified Spinning Instructor

Club McKendry

Precor

I'm helping people get fitter. From young and old, men and women, elite athletes to beginners

Operations Director

Circadian Trust

Always be prepared to work hard and give 100 per cent

Assistant Park Operations Manager

Paultons Park

The leisure industry constantly changes and I'm always excited to see what's next

Managing Director

Active IQ

I'm passionate about helping people qualify to engage others in physical activity

Senior Sport & Leisure Manager

Countywide, Carmarthenshire

Actif Sport and Leisure

When I got into Sports Development, it was key for me to practise what I was preaching so took an active role in sports volunteering outside of work.

Swim School Owner

STA-Swimming Teachers Association

Making learning to swim fun and safe for people is very rewarding to me
Elevate
Elevate