The Impact of Sports Coach Apprenticeships

N - I got involved with Coach Core to better myself as a sports coach and aim to support others.

S - I went to university straight after 6th form because I wasn’t really sure what else I wanted to do other than be a PE teacher. Once I got there we were told that ‘if we came to university to be a PE teacher then have a few backups because it is very unlikely that we would end up going into that career’. This put me off because I didn't believe that I, out of the room full of around 120 people would be one of those few they were talking about. This is when I decided to change my mind and find a different way of doing the thing I was passionate about.

K - After leaving university early, I started to look around for apprenticeships/jobs in the sport sector. Coach Core seemed a great opportunity for me to gain valuable practical experience, and a key insight to improving my knowledge and understanding of all aspects of coaching, especially in cricket.

N - I gained a huge amount of confidence and multiple qualifications in and around fitness to add to my skills

S - The main thing I gained from the programme was confidence. I was very shy when I started and it took a while for me to come out of my shell but I think towards the end I was a very different person than I started as. My confidence grew as the apprenticeship went on.

K - Alongside gaining real working experience in schools, the education days were really beneficial for my learning. The extra courses such as inclusive training and a L2 multi-skills course broadened my knowledge in coaching. I experienced helping out at some events like the Summer School Games and the Cricket World Cup in 2019.

N - I gained a FT position with my employer Shine Wraparound Care, as assistant sports hall manager. I’m also looking to further my abilities by taking more courses in management and coaching.

S - I am currently studying Chiropractic foundation year and I will go onto the masters of chiropractic degree next year. The apprenticeship helped me understand that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

K - My graduation from the course coincided with multiple Covid restrictions which is never ideal, however in that I was able to gain full employment from my employer, the Gloucestershire Cricket Board.