Congratulations to Trev Mealing who has been selected as Employee of the Year in the 2016 Lincolnshire Business Awards, in recognition of the work he has been doing with YMCA Lincolnshire. In addition to his own personal successes and progression, Trev’s selection reflected his significant contribution to the wider YMCA training team, who received the Excellence in Training award.

Trev (right) receiving his Employee of the Year award at the Lincolnshire Business Awards. (Photo: LincolnshireLive)

Trev started volunteering at the YMCA during the final year of his BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science programme. After hearing about a friend’s positive experiences he signed up as a volunteer gym instructor, a position that he recalls “allowed me to develop my skills further, help special population gym members to achieve their goals, and put into practice some of the new academic theory that I was learning on my degree – a true win for all involved!” As his confidence grew Trev felt able to start using his initative and make suggestions about possible improvements to the services offered. In recognition of his contributions, Trev became a paid member of staff before being invited by Dan Rogers – Commercial Manager for YMCA Lincolnshire – to become a tutor in their new Teaching Centre. The success of this initiative resulted first in a full-time position and then in Trev becoming the Lead Tutor, managing the Centre as a Head of Department.

“In the four years of commercial operation we have managed to make a great deal of partnerships with other training and education provides in the county…and now have funded contracts to help support those most in need, in addition to our core area of delivery – nationally-recognised vocational fitness-based accreditations such as Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer.”

The School were delighted to invite Trev to deliver the keynote presentation for our recent Opportunities Fair. Sharing his career experiences to date and emphasising the benefits of volunteering, Trev encouraged students to believe in themselves and not always simply take the easiest option. “Work hard, ask questions, and never be afraid of asking for help! This will give you the best outcome! Hard work is always rewarded, sometimes not as instantly, or as we first envisage, but it will be rewarded!”

Trev delivering his keynote presentation to open the School’s Opportunities Fair

The Opportunities Fair provided the chance for students from across the School’s programmes to meet local employers and voluntary organisations, as well as seek guidance from the University’s careers and volunteering teams. The evening was a great success, with lots of contacts made and ideas exchanged, and we are very grateful to the following organisations for supporting the event: Lincolnshire Sport, Lincolnshire FA, Lincolnshire Council Volunteer Youth Services, University of Lincoln Sports Centre, Lincolnshire Scouts, Lincolnshire YMCA, OSB Events (Lincoln Half Marathon), Lincoln Golf Club, UoL Careers Team, Lincoln SU Activities and Volunteering Office.