Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn the skills and knowledge needed to work in the sport and physical activity sector while gaining real professional experience.
How do apprenticeships work?
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with studying for a professional qualification.
They allow you to:
earn a wage and get paid holidays
work alongside experienced professionals
gain role-specific skills
study alongside your work (at least 20% of your normal working hours).
Apprenticeships take one to five years to complete depending on their level.
If you are in care or a care leaver, you may also be able to access a bursary to support you financially while you complete your apprenticeship.
Is an apprenticeship for me?
Almost anyone can start an apprenticeship. This means that wherever you are in your career, you can start, switch or progress in your pathway into sport and physical activity.
Starters
Currently, the majority of people beginning an apprenticeship in the UK are aged 25 and under. Once you have chosen the career you’d like to pursue, it can be difficult to gain relevant work experience. Apprenticeships allow you to experience what the job is like while you gain your qualification – ensuring that you are ready to work straight away. Some businesses even employ apprentices after they gain their qualification, as they have the benefit of already understanding the ins and outs of their organisation.
Switchers
With 80% on-the-job training as well as pay and employee rights, apprenticeships are a great, flexible option for those wishing to change their career. Whether you have had a break from working or would like to transfer your existing skills to a new profession and require an additional qualification to do so, apprenticeships can offer a smooth transition into the sport and physical activity sector.
Progressors
Did you know that existing employees can undertake apprenticeships? Many employers are now offering apprenticeships to their current employees to help fill gaps in their workforce and respond to changing business needs. While remaining in your current role, you can learn new skills and progress in your chosen career. You will gain practical experience and be able to apply your learning straight away, benefiting your career from the start.
The requirements for starting an apprenticeship differ depending on where you live in the UK. Explore your options through the national apprenticeship organisations:
What opportunities are available?
There is a wide range of apprenticeships relevant to the sport and physical activity sector. Some are directly related, while others focus on education or business but are applicable to careers in the sector.
All apprenticeships are aligned with an occupational standard. This is a set of requirements, created by employers in the field, that define what is required to be employed in the job role.
Apprenticeships are set at different levels, ranging from being equivalent to GCSEs up to degree level and beyond. This makes it easy to choose training relevant to your employees’ and business needs.
Examples
These standards were created with the support of CIMSPA, but there are many more excellent options available which can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website:
- Personal Trainer (Level 3 – A Level equivalent)
- Community Sport and Health Officer (Level 3 – A Level equivalent)
- Community Activator Coach (Level 2 – GCSE equivalent)
- Leisure Team Member (Level 2 – GCSE equivalent)
- Sports Coach (Level 4 – foundation degree equivalent)