Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteering
Why I'm applying
Timeline
Generic

George Turkington

Economics Undergraduate, St Aidan's college

Summary

I have experience in lifeguarding, sailing racing, and instructing, mentoring and working for charities. I like working with people and finding creative solutions to problems, whether through teaching, lifeguarding, or how I access information as a dyslexic. Outside of work and study, I enjoy debating, playing chess, listening to music and audiobooks. I have enjoyed working in a gym at my leisure centre.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Lifeguard

Greenvale Leisure Centre
Magherafelt, Derry
03.2026 - Current
  • Lifeguarding has developed my skill of addressing issues as I notice them, without awaiting instruction.
  • I have worked in my leisure centre's gym, cleaning and setting up equipment for CrossFit classes.
  • I am used to staying busy on a quiet shift to help my co-workers.
  • I recently saw a pool user recovering from back surgery using crutches, frustrated after forgetting his towel in the health suite. Even though he hadn't approached me, I recognised his frustration and offered to retrieve it.
  • I worked three times a week alongside studies.

Dinghy Instructor

Coleraine Yacht Club
Portrush, Antrim
06.2022 - Current
  • I progressed from an Assistant Instructor to a qualified Dinghy Instructor in 2024, taking on more responsibility in planning and delivering courses to students.
  • I helped to teach a blind student how to sail a dinghy, adapting how I taught and using clear communication.
  • When the wind dropped completely on the final day of one course, making sailing impossible, I used the forecast to restructure the programme, delivering theory in the morning before organising a RIB trip around the local islands for the students.
  • I enjoyed working with curious students and seeing their progression from never being in a boat to working together to become both confident and competent.

Education

A-levels - Maths (A*), Digital Technology (A*), Biology (A)

Rainey Endowed Grammar

Skills

  • Proactive problem solving
  • Adapting communication to individuals
  • Planning and organisation
  • Teamwork and coordination
  • Teaching and mentoring
  • Attention to detail

Volunteering

  • I was a hockey goalkeeper coach. Organising sessions and developing skills, I was happy to give back to the school and support younger students.
  • I enjoyed volunteering once a week at local charities. I phoned elderly people in my area as part of a good morning program in lower sixth and then worked in a team of volunteers to organise food by date and type at a local food bank in upper sixth.
  • As a Wellbeing Ambassador in sixth form, I organised activities for younger students to help them settle into their new school.

Why I'm applying

For me, the gym should be a supportive space. Through my customer service, organisational skills and passion for teamwork, I would create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. I enjoyed working as part of a team in my leisure centre's gym, and I'm excited to see how another gym operates.

Timeline

Lifeguard

Greenvale Leisure Centre
03.2026 - Current

Dinghy Instructor

Coleraine Yacht Club
06.2022 - Current

A-levels - Maths (A*), Digital Technology (A*), Biology (A)

Rainey Endowed Grammar
George Turkington