The Hall of Fame features: Rebecca Adlington, Sarah Stevenson, Lauren Steadman, Katie Clarke, Oliver Hynd and Sarah Barrow, all of whom have represented Great Britain at international level.
Upon completing her AASE Apprenticeship, swimmer, Rebecca Adlington became a household name, winning two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and two bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics.
Swimmers, Oliver Hynd and Lauren Steadman have both represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games. Oliver secured gold, silver and bronze medals at London 2012, while Lauren Steadman swam in her first Paralympics aged just 15, when she competed in Beijing, in 2008.
Sarah Stevenson became the first British Taekwondo World Champion when she secured the title in 2001 and later went on to become the first Team GB Taekwondo Olympic Medallist when she won bronze at the Beijing 2008 Games.
Katie Clarke and Sarah Barrow are also esteemed AASE graduates. Katie Clarke competed in the Synchronised Swimming final at the London 2012 and Sarah Barrow achieved her goal of being selected for 2012 Olympic Diving Team.
All six AASE graduate cite AASE as an important step in realising their potential and reaching the level of an elite athlete.
Jemma Turner, AASE Programme Manager at SkilsActive commented "It is fantastic opportunity for SkillsActive to highlight just some of our AASE Apprentices' success stories through the National Apprenticeship Service Hall of Fame".
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships throughout England. They are responsible for increasing the number of Apprenticeship opportunities and providing a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm currently studying Psychology at Portsmouth University. Last year I competed at my second Paralympic Games, where I qualified for the final of both the 100m Freestyle (S9) and the 400m Freestyle (S9).
What's your proudest sporting moment?
My proudest moment was probably qualifying for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, I was only 14, so it was quite unexpected. Also, having 17,000 people cheering for me at the London Games last year was a pretty incredible feeling.
When did you undertake the AASE apprenticeship?
I was on the AASE programme during my A levels, which was from 2009 to 2011.
How has the AASE apprenticeship programme made you proud?
The AASE programme made me think about the goals I should be setting myself and allowed me to understand the 'how and why' behind my swimming training. It also really helped me to get to know myself more as an athlete. I was able to develop my sporting CV, for example I undertook a life guarding qualification, which for me was challenge. I also met lots of inspirational sports experts that aided me through the programme.
What skills did you develop during your time on the AASE apprenticeship?
I gained a lot of valuable advice concerning nutrition, which has been really useful. The AASE apprenticeship helped me to develop my mental skills. The sports psychology sections of the apprenticeship gave me a more positive outlook, allowing me to achieve the goals which I set myself. Overall, AASE gave me the knowledge and the confidence to be a better athlete.
Would you recommend the AASE apprenticeship?
Yes, I definitely would. I enjoyed my two years and felt myself develop as an athlete. It's important to get a little guidance outside of coaching, in order to better understand what it's like at an elite level, and AASE provided this. It can be daunting going from a National to an International level athlete, but AASE made the transition a lot easier and more natural.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm Oliver Hynd, MBE and I'm a Paralympic swimmer from Kirkby in Ashfield. As well as being a European Champion, I've won gold, silver and bronze medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
What's your proudest sporting moment?
I've been really fortunate to have experienced a lot of great moments where I have made myself and my family proud. Of the many highlights, a couple which stand out are becoming the Paralympic champion in front of a home crowd and sharing the podium with my older brother Sam, after we both got medals. There is always a great sense of pride and satisfaction at doing well for your country and all those who have supported you along the way.
When did you undertake the AASE apprenticeship?
I've recently graduated from the AASE programme and I have been putting into practice all of the new skills I have developed on a daily basis.
How has the AASE apprenticeship programme made you proud?
Completing the apprenticeship gave me an enormous sense of personal satisfaction. To gain a qualification in an area that I enjoy so much has been a real help to me. It has also been useful to be able to apply what I have learned in my swimming on a daily basis. The training I have gone through during my apprenticeship will also help me to develop my career options.
What skills did you develop during your time on the AASE apprenticeship?
The AASE programme was particularly valuable for me and helped me to prepare for the Paralympics. Its flexibility allowed me to be supported in my educational development as well as my sporting commitments.
Would you recommend the AASE apprenticeship?
Yes, AASE gives you an understanding of many skills that runs alongside your training helping you to grow as an individual. I have had access to quality coaching hours and I've also benefited from focused and timely input from all the people involved in the delivery of the ASSE programme.
Originally from London Dwayne made the decision in the summer to attend South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS) to undertake the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme.
The Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is a sports performance programme. It provides a structured training and development route across a number of sports for talented young athletes (aged 16-19), who have a real chance of excelling in their sport; either by competing on the world stage or securing a professional contract
Dwayne is a full residential student and spends over 3 hours every day on court developing his game alongside his academic studies. Last summer he represented England at the U16 A division European Championships where he finished the tournament averaging an impressive 10.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
After being at SGS for 3 months and at only 16 years old he is now playing on the Bristol Academy Flyers Division 1 Men's team and making considerable contributions to the team. Following the Youth Olympic Games Dwayne hopes to be selected for the U18 England team that will be competing in European A division for the first time and then upon graduating the AASE programme hopes to progress to the USA to play NCAA division 1 basketball.
Following being selected to the Youth Olympic team Dwayne comments:
"I am unbelievably excited about having the opportunity to represent Team GB at the Youth Olympics. It was only a few months ago that I was in London watching GB compete at the 2012 London Olympic games and now I have been given the opportunity to experience something similar & truly life changing.
Being on the AASE programme at South Gloucestershire & Stroud has allowed me the opportunity to enhance my basketball skills & knowledge to a point where I am playing senior men's division 1 basketball, playing for England and now the opportunity to represent Great Britain.
I am looking forward to playing against some of the powerhouse basketball countries such as America & Spain and I genuinely belief that we have a team that can compete.
This is a unique experience that I am sure will be one of the highlights of my life. I honestly don't think I would have gone to Australia in my life it wasn't for this Basketball opportunity."
Andreas Kapoulas, SGS College Basketball academy director also comments:
"We are very pleased to her about Dwayne's Selection. He thoroughly deserves the recognition as he is a fantastic young man who works very hard to become the best that he can be. It will be a great experience for him that will add to his continuous development in the sport.
AASE has given Dwayne the opportunity to continue his A-level studies in very a professional sports environment at SGS College while continuing his basketball development within the performance pathway under the British Basketball Areas of Emphasis. We really look forward to following his and the team's progress in Australia."
The Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) will see approximately 1,700 athletes aged 12-20 from 30 nations competing across 17 Olympic sports in many of the venues used to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Team GB will compete in 11 Olympic sports: badminton, basketball, diving, golf, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, shooting, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling.
The event celebrated the graduation of local apprentices who successfully completed an Advanced Level or Higher Apprenticeship this academic year. Each graduate received a commemorative certificate and enjoyed the level of prestige usually only associated with the achievement of a University degree.
Co-ordinated by York College, the National Apprenticeship Service and York Business Week, the ceremony was supported by the City of York Council and a number of leading training providers. More than 800 employers and 600 apprentices also attended the ceremony, adding kudos and grandeur to the occasion.
David Way, CBE, Chief Executive, National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), said: "Celebrating the success of completing an Apprenticeship in this way will raise the esteem of apprentices' achievement and help to further elevate the reputation of Apprenticeships."
In addition to his incredible success as an international athlete, Aaron McKibbin is also currently also working towards the completion of the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE). This unique apprenticeship provides a structured training and development programme for talented young athletes aged 16-19 across a wide range of sports including football, swimming, table tennis, rugby and golf.
Aaron commented: "The AASE programme has helped me have a better understanding of sport which I can use in my practice and help me understand aspects of training, which means it's had a positive affect on my table tennis as well as my studies. The programme is flexible and the staff are all really understanding and supportive."
Following the success of the Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony in York it is hoped that similar events will take place across the UK to recognise the achievement of apprentices across the country. When the scheme was launched by the NAS in October 2012 at an event hosted by The Duke of York at Buckingham Palace, Universities Minister, David Willetts, said:
"Apprenticeships are at the heart of our drive to equip people of all ages with the skills they and employers need to prosper. An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity and is a genuine alternative to going to university – we need to promote and celebrate it as such."
12/4/12
Highlights include:
27/3/12
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has appointed SkillsActive, in partnership with Lantra, HABIA, People 1st, Improve and GoSkills.
They have been funded to deliver National Occupational Standards, Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeship frameworks, and qualification related products for three years starting 1st April 2012.
SkillsActive acting CEO Suki Kalirai says: “National occupational standards, qualifications and Apprenticeships are key products for developing a better skilled, better qualified workforce. This funding will provide the quality skills system the sector needs to achieve its objectives.”
SkillsActive achieved funding for three out of four of its national occupational standards projects, including:
SkillsActive has also achieved funding for Apprenticeships, with a special focus on coaching in Wales and achieving excellence in sports performance in Scotland.
The announcement on the level of funding for qualifications work is still pending.
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
A Leeds student has his sporting career mapped out with his dream of competing at the 2016 Olympics becoming a real possibility, which he attributes to the inspirational guidance he has received from SkillsActive’s Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE).
Jack Bateson from Pool In Wharfedale, near Leeds has been boxing since he was 9 years old, encouraged by his Dad and Uncle who have been coaching the sport as far as he can remember. He recalls the day a letter arrived to invite him to apply for the AASE programme and never looked back, making the move from his new sixth form college to join Bradford College.
“The programme has helped me so much, I’m really sad to be leaving at the end of this year; I’ve had such a strong network of support. I have learned a huge amount about what it takes to reach the top and perform to the best of your ability, the coaching team have been fantastic.
“AASE has helped me to plan for the future and set my career plans, with short, medium and long term goals through to the 2016 Olympics.”
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.
Jack enjoyed a unique trip to Tenerife through the AASE Boxing programme last August, training at high altitude with young boxers from all over the UK. They experienced firsthand a different training environment that opened his eyes to training in different ways, including running up mountains.
He is currently training in the England Youth squad and is looking forward to the second stage trials for the GB Senior Development squad that will be selected over the next few months. The GB squad will meet regularly in Sheffield with the ultimate goal of competing at the 2016 Olympics and beyond.
Alongside his career in boxing, Jack Bateson 17 explains that the AASE programme has helped him plan for a career as a PE teacher and he hopes to secure a place at University for the end of this year.
His advice for other young athletes considering a place on the AASE programme to boost their chances of a successful sporting career? Jack said, “I would definitely recommend the AASE programme to anyone, but it’s not an easy ride. It has helped me to juggle my boxing and education in the best possible way and realise that it is only hard work that gets you to the very top.”
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.”
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