Activities Manager Review
at David Lloyd Clubs
Degree Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Leeds
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an Activities Manager at David Lloyd Clubs, I oversee the planning and delivery of engaging programs, manage staff, and ensure members have a high-quality, enjoyable experience every day.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’m currently in my second year of a Level 6 BA (Hons) Business Management apprenticeship through David Lloyd Clubs, and overall it’s been a really valuable experience so far.
The programme does a great job of blending practical, on-the-job learning with academic theory. Being able to apply what I learn directly into my role makes the content much more relevant and easier to understand. It’s not just textbook knowledge, you actually see how business concepts work in a real environment.
David Lloyd Clubs have been supportive throughout the apprenticeship. There are good opportunities to develop professionally, and you’re encouraged to take on responsibility and grow within the business. The exposure to different areas of the company has helped me build a broader understanding of how the business operates.
That said, balancing full-time work with studying can be challenging at times, but David Lloyd Clubs have supported me by giving me a study day each week.
Overall, I’d recommend this apprenticeship to anyone looking to gain a degree while building real-world experience. It’s a great pathway for developing both your academic knowledge and practical business skills at the same time.
The programme does a great job of blending practical, on-the-job learning with academic theory. Being able to apply what I learn directly into my role makes the content much more relevant and easier to understand. It’s not just textbook knowledge, you actually see how business concepts work in a real environment.
David Lloyd Clubs have been supportive throughout the apprenticeship. There are good opportunities to develop professionally, and you’re encouraged to take on responsibility and grow within the business. The exposure to different areas of the company has helped me build a broader understanding of how the business operates.
That said, balancing full-time work with studying can be challenging at times, but David Lloyd Clubs have supported me by giving me a study day each week.
Overall, I’d recommend this apprenticeship to anyone looking to gain a degree while building real-world experience. It’s a great pathway for developing both your academic knowledge and practical business skills at the same time.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve definitely developed both new skills and strengthened existing ones during my apprenticeship.
One of the biggest areas of growth has been my time management and organisation. Balancing work responsibilities with university deadlines has pushed me to plan ahead, prioritise tasks, and stay disciplined.
I’ve also improved my communication skills, both professionally and academically. In the workplace, I’ve become more confident speaking with colleagues and members, while my coursework has helped me develop a more structured and professional writing style.
In terms of new skills, I’ve gained a better understanding of business concepts such as leadership, operations, and strategic thinking. I’ve learned how to analyse situations more critically and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Additionally, my confidence has grown a lot. Taking on more responsibility at work and applying what I’ve learned has helped me become more proactive and comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me become more well-rounded, both as a professional and as a student.
One of the biggest areas of growth has been my time management and organisation. Balancing work responsibilities with university deadlines has pushed me to plan ahead, prioritise tasks, and stay disciplined.
I’ve also improved my communication skills, both professionally and academically. In the workplace, I’ve become more confident speaking with colleagues and members, while my coursework has helped me develop a more structured and professional writing style.
In terms of new skills, I’ve gained a better understanding of business concepts such as leadership, operations, and strategic thinking. I’ve learned how to analyse situations more critically and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Additionally, my confidence has grown a lot. Taking on more responsibility at work and applying what I’ve learned has helped me become more proactive and comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me become more well-rounded, both as a professional and as a student.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is generally well organised and structured, with a clear outline of modules, deadlines, and expectations provided in advance. This makes it easier to plan ahead and balance work commitments alongside studying.
Each module follows a logical structure, building on previous knowledge and linking well to real-life business scenarios, which helps with understanding and application in the workplace. The mix of coursework, assignments, and practical learning keeps it engaging and relevant.
There is also good support in terms of guidance from tutors and regular check-ins, which helps keep you on track throughout the programme.
Overall, the programme is well structured and supportive, but like any apprenticeship, it relies on your ability to stay organised and manage your time effectively.
Each module follows a logical structure, building on previous knowledge and linking well to real-life business scenarios, which helps with understanding and application in the workplace. The mix of coursework, assignments, and practical learning keeps it engaging and relevant.
There is also good support in terms of guidance from tutors and regular check-ins, which helps keep you on track throughout the programme.
Overall, the programme is well structured and supportive, but like any apprenticeship, it relies on your ability to stay organised and manage your time effectively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship.
David Lloyd Clubs provide dedicated time for studying, which is really important when balancing work and academic commitments. My manager is very understanding when it comes to assignment deadlines and is supportive in helping me manage my workload during busier periods.
There are also regular check-ins and progress reviews, which help me stay on track and give me the opportunity to discuss any challenges I’m facing. I feel encouraged to apply what I learn in my role, which makes the experience more meaningful and helps with my development.
Overall, I feel well supported by my employer, and they play an important role in helping me succeed in the apprenticeship.
David Lloyd Clubs provide dedicated time for studying, which is really important when balancing work and academic commitments. My manager is very understanding when it comes to assignment deadlines and is supportive in helping me manage my workload during busier periods.
There are also regular check-ins and progress reviews, which help me stay on track and give me the opportunity to discuss any challenges I’m facing. I feel encouraged to apply what I learn in my role, which makes the experience more meaningful and helps with my development.
Overall, I feel well supported by my employer, and they play an important role in helping me succeed in the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications.
Tutors are accessible and helpful, providing clear guidance on assignments and expectations. They’re generally responsive to questions and offer useful feedback that helps me improve my work and understand where I can develop further.
There are also regular progress reviews and check-ins, which help keep me on track and ensure I’m meeting the required standards. The learning resources provided are relevant and support both the academic and practical sides of the apprenticeship.
Tutors are accessible and helpful, providing clear guidance on assignments and expectations. They’re generally responsive to questions and offer useful feedback that helps me improve my work and understand where I can develop further.
There are also regular progress reviews and check-ins, which help keep me on track and ensure I’m meeting the required standards. The learning resources provided are relevant and support both the academic and practical sides of the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification through the training provider has had a positive impact on my performance in my role.
The knowledge I’ve gained from the course, particularly around leadership, customer experience, and business operations, has helped me better understand how the business functions and how my role contributes to overall success. I’m able to approach situations more strategically and make more informed decisions rather than relying on instinct alone.
It has also improved my confidence at work. I feel more capable when handling responsibilities, communicating with colleagues, and taking initiative, as I can back up my actions with what I’ve learned through the programme.
The practical application of theory is one of the biggest benefits. Being able to directly apply coursework to real-life situations within the club makes the learning more meaningful and helps reinforce my understanding.
The knowledge I’ve gained from the course, particularly around leadership, customer experience, and business operations, has helped me better understand how the business functions and how my role contributes to overall success. I’m able to approach situations more strategically and make more informed decisions rather than relying on instinct alone.
It has also improved my confidence at work. I feel more capable when handling responsibilities, communicating with colleagues, and taking initiative, as I can back up my actions with what I’ve learned through the programme.
The practical application of theory is one of the biggest benefits. Being able to directly apply coursework to real-life situations within the club makes the learning more meaningful and helps reinforce my understanding.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are a range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in through work. I am currently involved with lots of regional projects which is great experience and good evidence for my apprenticeship.
Working at David Lloyd Clubs naturally provides access to a strong social and fitness-focused environment, so there are plenty of opportunities.
There are also social events organised by the club, which are a great way to build relationships with colleagues outside of work. These can include team outings, celebrations, or seasonal events.
From a professional perspective, there are opportunities to network within the business, especially when working across different departments or interacting with management. This has helped me build connections and gain insight into different areas of the company.
Working at David Lloyd Clubs naturally provides access to a strong social and fitness-focused environment, so there are plenty of opportunities.
There are also social events organised by the club, which are a great way to build relationships with colleagues outside of work. These can include team outings, celebrations, or seasonal events.
From a professional perspective, there are opportunities to network within the business, especially when working across different departments or interacting with management. This has helped me build connections and gain insight into different areas of the company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend David Lloyd Clubs to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend David Lloyd Clubs as a great place to work.
One of the main reasons is the supportive and positive working environment. The company promotes a strong team culture, and there are good opportunities to build relationships with colleagues while working in a social and energetic setting.
There are also clear opportunities for personal and professional development, especially through programmes like the apprenticeship. Being able to gain a degree while working and applying what you learn in a real-world environment is a big advantage.
In addition, the workplace benefits, such as access to fitness facilities and group activities, make it an enjoyable place to be and contribute to a good work-life balance.
Overall, I would recommend David Lloyd Clubs to someone looking to grow their career, gain valuable experience, and work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
One of the main reasons is the supportive and positive working environment. The company promotes a strong team culture, and there are good opportunities to build relationships with colleagues while working in a social and energetic setting.
There are also clear opportunities for personal and professional development, especially through programmes like the apprenticeship. Being able to gain a degree while working and applying what you learn in a real-world environment is a big advantage.
In addition, the workplace benefits, such as access to fitness facilities and group activities, make it an enjoyable place to be and contribute to a good work-life balance.
Overall, I would recommend David Lloyd Clubs to someone looking to grow their career, gain valuable experience, and work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to David Lloyd Clubs?
- Be proactive and enthusiastic
- Be prepared to learn and adapt
- Ask questions and seek support
- Most of all - Have fun!
- Be prepared to learn and adapt
- Ask questions and seek support
- Most of all - Have fun!
