Young people interested in pursuing a career in the sports and leisure industry are being given a valuable head start in Nairn.
Thanks to a pilot project that equips students with key skills and qualifications, alongside an industry-specific careers fayre at Nairn Academy, pupils are gaining real insight into the types of roles available, what they involve, and the potential for career progression.
When I left school, I studied Sports Management at UHI and took every opportunity during the holidays to get involved in sport and leisure – such as working as a lifeguard at Nairn Leisure – just to get my foot in the door. All of these experiences have helped me build a career I love in the sports and leisure industry
Active Schools Coordinator
Exploring the possibilities at ‘Fit Futures’
Just last week, senior pupils at Nairn Academy attended Fit Futures, a dedicated sports and leisure careers event delivered in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).
The event brought together a diverse mix of employers and organisations, including:
- Highland Foot Clinic
- Highland Yoga Collective
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club
- Nairn Leisure Centre
- The British Army
- Scottish Football Association Refereeing
UHI also provided leaflets and additional information about relevant study pathways.
Employers spent time speaking with pupils about jobs within their organisations — many focused on fitness, wellbeing, and community support — helping students gain a clearer understanding of everyday responsibilities and long-term progression.
DYW School Co‑ordinator Louise Taylor said: “It was great to collaborate with High Life Highland and the Nairn Academy PE department to host a sports fayre for senior pupils. Careers in sports and wellbeing are far more varied than many young people realise. Their conversations with pupils broke down barriers and made progression routes within the sector much clearer.”
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
One of the day’s most inspiring voices was Deanna Lundie, High Life Highland’s Active Schools Coordinator for the Nairn schools cluster. Reflecting on her own journey, she said: “When I left school, I studied Sports Management at UHI and took every opportunity during the holidays to get involved in sport and leisure – such as working as a lifeguard at Nairn Leisure – just to get my foot in the door. All of these experiences have helped me build a career I love in the sports and leisure industry.”
Her story highlighted an important message for pupils: seizing opportunities, even small ones, can open doors to exciting long‑term careers.
We hope to expand the initiative to other areas, supporting more young people into work while helping address recruitment needs across the region.
Area Leisure Manager, High Life Higland
A Pathway with Purpose: The ‘Leadership to Leisure’ Programme
The careers event follows the completion of the Leadership to Leisure pilot, another initiative involving Nairn Academy pupils. The programme blends the High Life Highland Leadership Programme with vocational training to create a smooth pathway from school to employment.
Participants gained:
- Practical experience working with the team at Nairn Leisure
- Recognised qualifications, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- Confidence and leadership skills through structured volunteering
The results are already clear — several pupils who took part have secured jobs within the sector.
Lisa MacDonald, Area Leisure Manager with High Life Highland, shared her pride: “Congratulations to all six pupils who successfully completed the first ‘Leadership to Leisure’ programme. We are delighted to now have three of them working with us at Nairn Leisure Centre. We hope to expand the initiative to other areas, supporting more young people into work while helping address recruitment needs across the region."
Building Skills for Life
At the heart of these programmes is the High Life Highland Leadership Programme — an inclusive and transformative experience that equips young people not only with leadership skills, but also with life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Participants earn coloured hoodies recognising their volunteering achievements, and opportunities reach far beyond sports: from libraries and museums to music, conservation, and community projects.
