She started volunteering at 14. Now she teaches here #SeriouslySocial 

What does creating opportunities and building skills actually look like? 

Sometimes, the first step into employment doesn’t look like a job at all. 

That’s what happened for Eilidh. 

When she approached Edinburgh Leisure at Gracemount Leisure Centre at 14, she wasn’t thinking about qualifications or employment. She was looking for a meaningful way to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

Swimming had always been a big part of her life, and volunteering gave her the opportunity to support younger children in an environment she already knew well. 

“I’d done swimming my whole life and knew I enjoyed working with younger children, so I got in touch with Edinburgh Leisure to see if I could volunteer.” 

What began as a volunteering placement quickly became something she wanted to continue. 

Week by week, Eilidh supported lessons, became part of the swim team and gained experience working with children, parents and colleagues. 

“I’ve really liked being part of the swim team and seeing the kids progress over time.” 

With support through Edinburgh Leisure’s Aquatics & Lifesaving Training Academy, Eilidh progressed from volunteering into formal training — completing her Introduction to Swim Teaching course before achieving her full SSTQ qualification. 

Today, she is in her final year of school and works part-time as a Swim Teacher at Gracemount. 

One of the parts she values most is supporting the same class each week and building relationships with children as they develop their confidence in the water. 

Eilidh’s confidence has grown too, through working with the children, parents and colleagues. The experience has helped her develop skills that support her not only at work, but in everyday life.  

Her journey shows how volunteering, paired with the right support and opportunities, can help young people gain skills, achieve qualifications and take meaningful steps into employment. 

Through its Aquatics & Lifesaving Training Academy and employability partnerships, Edinburgh Leisure helps create pathways into work and supports people to take their next steps.