Charitable social enterprise BH Live has inducted its first graduates onto an inaugural two-year training programme.

The course is intended to take people with potential from grass roots service delivery through to the supervision of leisure centres and activities, cultural venues, events and hospitality.

Calla Shailer-Williams

BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues in the third sector.

It manages high profile venues and leisure centres across Dorset, Hampshire and London including Bournemouth International Centre and Fairfield Halls in Croydon.

As a charitable social enterprise its surplus is used to support community health and wellbeing projects and provide cultural experiences for all.

Key areas in the graduate programme, which was announced earlier this year, include customer service, housekeeping, delivering recreational activities, event management and hospitality services.

Mike Traher

Corporate and support services such as human resources, sales, marketing and facilities management are also incorporated into the course alongside vocational and in house training to support continued professional development.

The first graduates are:

• Mike Traher. Graduated from Southampton Solent University in media, culture and production and also achieved an MA in public relations and multimedia communication.
• Monika Zolc. Attended Bournemouth University and completed four year business studies & finance degree.
• Calla Shailer-Williams. Also graduated from Bournemouth University having completed a four year tourism management degree.

Chris Symons, BH Live’s Chief Executive, who joined the charity in April 2019, pictured left, said: “As we approach our tenth anniversary it is a very fitting time to bring together the best of our organisation with our own graduate programme.

“Alongside our apprenticeship and employee development schemes, the new programme enables us to attract upcoming talent to take our business forward – and I am thrilled we have secured three outstanding recruits.”