LEISURE specialist Icon Vocational Training has sprinted into larger offices in Caldicot to keep up with the pace of business.

The firm delivers courses such as modern apprenticeships to the burgeoning sports and health sectors.

Managing director Julian Leybourne said: "Sport and leisure is a major and expanding contributor to the economy of Wales and the rest of the UK. "It's crucial that the people who work in the industry are equipped with the skills and learning to deliver the quality service that users need.

"We had around 40 learners on our books three years ago and we now have 300. We confidently expect this number to double over the next two years."

Icon has a staff of 14, and operates throughout South Wales and southern England.

Mr Leybourne said: "We have ambitious plans to expand in the near future into other regions of Wales and England. We plan to extend existing contracts and also to seek new areas.

"We have worked with the Celtic Manor Resort on a number of programmes and value the partnership we have developed with managers and staff there.

"Securing the Ryder Cup for the resort in 2010 has put the centre under an even brighter spotlight."

Supported by training agency ELWa, Icon also works in partnership with schools and local education authorities to provide targeted work placements and vocational qualifications for 15- and 16-year-olds.

Mr Leybourne said: "We are particularly proud of our work with schools and LEAs on the 'complementary curriculum', which provides youngsters with an alternative path to the A-levels and university route."

The initiative offers pupils the chance to gain work experience and qualifications prior to leaving school, preparing them to step from NVQ level 1 to level 2 apprenticeships and employment.

One example of this is 18-year-old Mike Saladino, from Caerleon, who has secured a permanent job at the Celtic Manor after completing a 12-week work placement straight from school.

Mike, who left Caerleon Comprehensive School with nine GCSEs, is completing a modern apprenticeship in active leisure, learning, sport and recreation at the resort's health club and spa.

The keen rugby player said: "I was able to get a grounding in all aspects of leisure during my placement and have built on this over the past two years.

"I didn't want to stay on at school or go on to college. I wanted to go out and build my career in sport and recreation in a practical, hands-on way. This route has been ideal."