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Apprentices can access thousands of pounds a year in funded training – SkillsActive can help your business benefit from this, identify how much your staff could be eligible for and negotiate training that meets your needs. SkillsActive is the issuing authority for Apprenticeships is active leisure and learning, so we are ideally placed to help you develop skilled, motivated staff.
No business is too small to benefit from Apprenticeship funding! SkillsActive’s Account Managers are here to help you understand the best Apprenticeship options for any organisation involved with active leisure, learning and well-being.
Take the lead in all areas of your business – make 2012 the year you take on an apprentice.
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7/2/12
The Brathay Apprentice Challenge will pit eight teams of apprentices against each other in a range of challenges designed to test young people’s business acumen, team working and even physical endurance.
The teams, which include apprentices from Bentley, the Co-operative, Virgin Media, the National Apprenticeship Service, Rolls-Royce, Balfour Beatty, defence manufacturers MBDA and aerospace firm Cobham, will be joined by a team made up of apprentices who are also GB Junior Rowing Team potentials – supported by AASE apprentice and Junior World Champion Finalist Jack Beaumont (pictured).
Following two months of challenges designed to test teams’ abilities to work together, fundraise for a variety of charities and spread the word about what apprentices can achieve, the Challenge will come to a head with a full day contest at Brathay’s Cumbrian training HQ on 16th March.
The challenges will test teams’ problem solving and physical endurance as they end the day with a 10-mile whaler boat race across Lake Windermere.
AASE apprentice and rower Jack Beaumont said: “I am proud to be supporting the Brathay Apprentice Challenge. Many athletes who are representing our country, at the highest level, have completed SkillsActive’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence and so we know first hand the positive impact Apprenticeships have not just on those who take them, but on wider society.”
Jez Anderson from the Brathay Trust, commented: “The Challenge is designed to build on the work we have been doing for many years, helping apprentices’ personal development and demonstrating that apprentices don’t just help businesses grow, they also help develop their local communities.
“The search for the apprentice team of the year will not only demonstrate the formidable skills of the nation’s apprentices, but demonstrate the range of careers available to apprentices.”
Jaine Bolton, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, welcomed the launch of the challenge.
“We know that one of the main reasons employers offer Apprenticeships is to build skills capacity in their businesses and this Challenge will bring to life the benefits apprentices bring to employers.
"In this new era of higher quality Apprenticeships, that are helping the nation’s businesses grow, more needs to be done to recognise the incredible talent and success of the nation’s apprentices.
“Events like the Brathay Apprentice Challenge are vital in ensuring the success of our apprentices is celebrated and rewarded.”
The Brathay Challenge will form part of the ‘new era for Apprenticeships’ campaign – full details of which will be announced at a Parliamentary Reception as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
To find out about Apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600. To find out more about the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, visit www.skillsactive.com/aase
Source: National Apprenticeship Service
6/2/12
My name is Luke Allen, I'm 18 and I am an apprentice within the Stevenage Sporting Futures Team.
If I’m honest, after finishing sixth form an Apprenticeship never really crossed my mind. However, my old school sent me an email about a sporting Apprenticeship at Stevenage Sporting Futures Team. I have always enjoyed sports so without any hesitation I applied, as I knew it would be something I’d enjoy and be fully committed to.
In my first month of the Apprenticeship I completed a lot of training in different activities and sports, which would be beneficial when I went into schools in Stevenage. This training would also go towards many competitions that I would also go on to help out with, for example a TAG rugby tournament and a basketball tournament.
I was put into my “host school” during my first month. I am now based at the school four days a week, supporting with PE and taking clubs either during lunch times or after schools.
Since starting at the Stevenage Sporting Futures Team, I have set up basketball, lacrosse and football clubs at the school, alongside a member of staff. Long term, I’d love to get involved in primary education, as working with children and in schools is such a rewarding job in developing life skills and my confidence as a whole.
6/2/12
Stevenage Sporting Futures Team has been passionate about developing a home-grown coaching workforce ever since it was established as a Schools Sports Partnership in 2003.
We are based in a community which is renowned for low aspiration of our young people, and we believe we can make a difference to lives through our provision of Quality PE and school sport sessions.
In 2007, we started our Partnership Coach programme. We employ 18 year olds and provide them with a year of experience and qualifications. At the end of the programme, our recruits have more confidence and a better feel for the career pathways available to them in sport.
We decided to take the concept further last year after working with SkillsActive on the Future Jobs Fund programme. The experience opened our eyes to the possibility of transforming the Partnership Coach programme into a sporting Apprenticeship. We now have 12 pilot apprentices working at Stevenage, including one who we retained from the Future Jobs Fund programme.
We work with Sporting Futures Training cic, a training provider specialising in school-based, work-based learning to support our apprentices. Our team of experienced PE specialists and coaches provide our apprentices with in house training. They also undertake a Level 2 NVQ Activity Leadership and a level 2 NGB award. Working with people, life-skills, employability comes with the turf.
The increased workforce provided by Apprenticeships has had a great impact in our schools and community - improving participation and providing positive role models for our youngsters. Apprenticeships have also enabled us to have a club based apprentice at Stevenage Scorpians - a level 2 Coach who works developing basketball within the town.
We hope through Sporting Futures Training we can take the model to other areas, as the value for our apprentices and the young people who work with them is immense.
Alex Nicholson, 17 from Cramlington and his Academy team mate Louis Storey, 18 from Walkerville are both in year two of the AASE programme combined with their respective NVQ and BTEC courses.
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Like thousands of teenagers across the UK, they have dreamed since their childhood of playing in the Premiership but just talking to them for a few minutes it seems their hard work and 100% commitment to both their sport and education is about to pay off.
Alex joined Newcastle United at the age of 13, now in year two of his scholarship he has already played several times for Newcastle United Reserves. He describes the AASE programme as, “perfect for me, I’m getting paid to study, play and train to be the best I can be.
Alex adds; “There is so much to learn off the pitch and the course really made me think about my career goals and not just think about playing football as you never know what is around the corner.” Alex now plans to become a football coach or PE teacher in the future.
Louis has progressed from Sunday league and County football, to joining Newcastle United on a scholarship in July 2010 and has already seen big improvements to his game, thanks to the AASE course. He explains, “I have applied the conditioning training that we learned to my personal programme to boost my overall fitness and it has really helped. I feel much fitter playing now and my confidence is increasing all the time.”
A tailored education programme relevant to their sport, is very much key to the success of the AASE programme, as highlighted by Louis’ commitment to learning: “I am really motivated to reach a distinction in each of my BTEC units and I know the better my results, the more chance I have to go to University and continue my studies. The staff and tutors have taught us so many life skills and above all an appreciation that we cannot rely on football forever, they have instilled a love for learning in my approach to life. I have also enjoyed completing the Level 2 Coaching Award and can definitely see myself coaching one day.”
Jimmy Nelson, Manager of Education and Welfare at Newcastle United says, “The AASE course is a terrific deal for any young footballer, the programme of support is second to none. I would love to turn back the clock and be an apprentice now, there really is no comparison to Apprenticeships 30 years ago, education is core to their learning as a player and making them aware of their responsibilities.”
Max Coates, 18, from Scorton near Richmond is juggling his ‘A’ level studies with the second year of AASE at Loughborough College with his sights set on racing in the Ginetta G50 support class at the British Touring Car Championship this year.
Progressing to the next level demands significant sponsorship to fund the team to prepare the car effectively for each race and AASE has helped Max to achieve these sponsorship targets. He explains, “We hope to confirm later this week that we have secured the sponsorship we need to step up to the G50 Championship this year. It has been a long road with a huge family support team behind me, but we are almost there. The AASE programme has helped me understand the media and the importance of an increased profile including social media and how to secure sponsorship.”
He goes on to explain how the course has given him the tools to reach the pinnacle of his sport. “The programme has improved me as a driver, thanks to a real attention to detail in all aspects; my fitness, nutrition and preparation that I didn’t fully appreciate before and has given me a real focus.”
After two years in the Ginetta Junior Championship, Max is now targeting the British Touring Car Championship and then the World Level Touring Car Championship, inspired by Britain’s recent Formula One World Champions.
He says, “You can’t get two better role models for our sport than Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, they certainly give you added inspiration. AASE has really helped me to learn more about my sport and I really appreciate the small margins that can be the difference between winning and losing a race.
“I would love to be involved with managing a team or coaching drivers one day, next year I am planning to take a gap year to do some work experience in the mechanics of motorsport, technical skills are so important.
“Winning the Championship this year could be the launch pad to successful senior career for me. I know I have an amazing opportunity and just one chance to make it happen.”#
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Ashleigh Munns, 17 from Basildon is not a typical college student; she juggles studying for three A levels, the AASE programme and playing top flight basketball for her club Sevenoaks Suns which means she’s up against senior GB internationals every week. She has all but given up her social life to reach her full potential and travel the 80 mile round trip to club training twice a week in Sevenoaks, but her hunger and desire shows no bounds.
Choosing to enrol on the AASE basketball programme at SEEVIC, as the only girl alongside 13 boys, has been a turning point that she believes has really increased her confidence and self belief. She now has her sights set on a place at an NCAA Div 1 or Div 2 University to further her playing career, inspired by several club team mates at Sevenoaks Suns that have chosen to study in the USA.
Looking back, she said “before I started at College, I didn’t have as much confidence generally. At first I hated not having a social life and not seeing my school friends but over the last 12 months, I have totally committed to basketball and AASE was the missing link to help my game and develop me as a stronger and more confident person.”
Her selection for the AASE basketball Leonardo trip to Germany for two weeks last summer, was she says ‘one of the most amazing experiences of my life’, not because they won four out of five games but she found a new self-belief in her ability instilled by the coaching team and team mates that became close friends.
The AASE programme involves regular strength and conditioning sessions which complement her club training sessions, and individual mentoring and performance analysis totalling ten sessions per week. The style of learning and work ethic is now instilled in her training and performance, she commented, “I didn’t used to like working hard, now I love being pushed to my limits and I know working hard brings results, it’s the only way to improve”.
Ashleigh’s goal for 2012 is to be selected for the England U18 team to compete at the European Championships in August and as the Olympic Games comes to London, she hopes women’s sport, in particular basketball, will be elevated to where it belongs, commenting; “it’s just not taken seriously enough in this country, but in my experience the AASE programme is really helping to move things in the right direction.”
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Looking for a second chance in life and to prove the people who once doubted him wrong, Ian’s determination and will to succeed led him to Lifetime. Enrolling into the Lifetime Fitness Academy and with the support of tutor Mark Pemberton, Ian successfully completed his Level 2 Fitness Instructor Apprenticeship; not only could Ian earn while he learned, but he was able to gain ‘on the job’ skills and a true understanding of the industry.
Ian says: “I have turned my life around, influenced people and shown never to give up on anyone. In the space of just 20 months I have come from “just an apprentice” to becoming the youngest ever Health and Fitness Manager of the largest Fitness First club in Europe. I have received two awards from my employer on consecutive months, which has never been achieved by anyone in the company. I always aimed high from the very start and never gave up on that goal.”
A bright future awaits Ian; he now teaches ‘PT Business’ courses and has worked hard to establish himself in the fitness industry. “Eventually I want to have a say in how the industry is run. I feel that my passion behind health and fitness can influence change; my ambition is to aim high!”
Fitness First Cluster Manager Simon Latham says: “Fitness First is committed to supporting the continued professional development of all our staff towards performance excellence and as our training provider we are delighted that Lifetime is recognising the achievements of these people through the Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards.
“We are extremely proud that from a difficult place in his life, Ian has demonstrated how much someone can achieve with hard work and dedication. Not only that, but that he is also now helping others to achieve. From a new start with the Lifetime Fitness Academy, through to his recent achievements, his is a story to be celebrated and we hope to use it to inspire others within the Fitness First team and we will continue to support anyone that has the development of others at heart.”
To find out more about Apprenticeships in the sport and active leisure sector please see Apprenticeships
Apprentices can access thousands of pounds a year in funded training – SkillsActive can help your business benefit from this, identify how much your staff could be eligible for and negotiate training that meets your needs.
Take the lead in all areas of your business – contact SkillsActive and make 2012 the year you take on an apprentice.
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Find out what it's really like to take on and train and apprentice in the first of a series of blogs by Jill Eaton, director of Stevenage Sporting Futures Team, and apprentice Luke Allen.
My Apprenticeship Experience - employer>
My Apprenticeship Experience - apprentice>
Don't fall at the first hurdle – contact SkillsActive and take the lead with Apprenticeships!
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Young Apprenticeships - the proven way to start your career
The results are in and according to the evaluation of Cohort 5 of the Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching this has been the best year to be on the programme yet! Some of the headline figures include:
For a programme that has consistently been asked to demonstrate its merit, Cohort 5 Young Apprenticeship results make encouraging reading for everyone involved. When SkillsActive launched the evaluation last November, we wrote about the importance of the evaluation in the climate of the Comprehensive Spending Review and the huge cuts across all government funded programmes. This is a problem which everyone involved in the Young Apprenticeship is experiencing as the Coalition Government continues to delay its commitment of future funding for the Young Apprenticeship programme. It is the hope of SkillsActive that after a third year of hugely successful evaluation results, the Coalition Government will finally pledge to fund another cohort of learners to access this unsurpassed opportunity.
As detailed in the aforementioned blog the cohort 5 evaluation was conducted confidentially and independently by the research team at SkillsActive in accordance with the Market Research Society code of practice. The data was collected through online questionnaires specific to the three stakeholder groups; pupils, training providers and employers.
A record breaking 889 young apprentices completed the programme as part of cohort 5 from over 70 partnerships spread throughout England. The fact that learner satisfaction and success has remained so high amongst such a large cohort is particularly pleasing. In addition to the results already stated, the evaluation showed that young apprentices have learned skills commonly identified as skill shortage vacancies by employers; notably technical, practical or job-specific skills, problem solving, team working, oral communication and customer handling. As a result of the development of these skills, 27% of the young apprentices who responded to the evaluation were offered paid work by one of the employers they completed their work placements with. At a time of record levels of youth unemployment, this is a fact that we won't be slow to highlight to the Government.
The most rewarding part of evaluating the Young Apprenticeship is reading the comments which respondents provide. Comments such as the following from young apprentices:
"Gave me a huge amount of confidence, progressed my skills in various sports, allowed me to gain a job in the sport industry."
"I have always wanted to have a sports related job and this has vastly improved my knowledge of how to coach and work with both adults and children in sports. The main benefit I feel was the amount of qualifications I received for being part of YAP and these will all help me in the future to have more options when trying to find a career."
The results also provide evidence that employers view young apprentices favourably as potential future employees. Employers report added value in employing former young apprentices, as they are already well prepared, confident and committed to working in the sports industry. Employers feel that as well as the obvious benefits to young people, work experience through the YA has a positive impact for the sector overall. The following comments from employers reflect this:
"Everyone benefits. Its good for the student, they get hands on experience and get to carry out tasks, rather than just writing about them. As a centre, once the YA has had the induction and basic training, they assist the leisure attendant, so it's like having another member of staff."
"We have found the YAP a valuable tool in the development of competitions whether that be on the day of the competition or in the build up. We have utilised them for coaching in schools, officiating on competitions as well as acting as team leaders on the day. This has allowed us to create a high class competition for all participants."
The responses from schools, colleges, and training providers who deliver the programme are particularly important. The evaluation shows that 19 of the 25 providers reported that Cohort 5 of the Young Apprenticeship was above or exceeded expectations. The remaining six training providers said it met expectations. Training providers also report that the current financial climate and competition for work placements with employers has in some cases made sourcing work placements more difficult. However, they report strong support from SkillsActive and an interest in the possibility of a level 1 Young Apprenticeship.
SkillsActive Chief Executive Stephen Studd said:
"This evaluation perfectly encapsulates the broad qualifications and employability skills that the young people derive from this programme, providing a crucial first step into our industry. A step approved by employers as the route of choice for 14-16 year olds. I hope that the continued success of the programme, which this evaluation demonstrates, provides the Government with the required impetus to commit funding to ensure that young people can continue to access this fantastic opportunity."
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