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.
Lauren Brooks, 17 from Stroud has been playing netball since she was introduced to the game at Primary School in Cirencester and now has her sights set on representing her country at the highest level. Hartpury College, Gloucestershire was the perfect choice for combining her A level studies with her intense training regime as a member of the Junior Netball Academy and England Excel U17 squad member which totals 17 hours of training each week.
Hartpury College was chosen by Netball South West to pilot the AASE scheme in Netball in 2007 with established links to Lauren’s club Hucclecote Netball Club, it has proved the ideal environment for developing sports stars.
Lauren credits the AASE programme with improving her time management and planning skills to juggle her education and strict training regime.
She said: “I have learned so much on the AASE programme, it has really taught us life skills and helped me plan for the future and back up options as I can’t rely on netball as a career unfortunately. The sports and fitness industry is growing all the time and the course has given us a real insight into what career opportunities are out there.
“At the moment, my ‘A’ levels are the priority, but I hope to move on to study Sports Science at Bath University and push for a place in the England team for the U21 World Youth Championships, next year. It’s tough but really worthwhile and I would encourage anyone given the opportunity to join the AASE scheme.”
The AASE scheme, which was created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency has been designed to meet the needs of young, talented netball players (aged 16-18), who have the potential to achieve excellence in netball.
The AASE programme takes two years to complete and aims to develop players through technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical conditioning and psychological techniques. Away from the practical elements, Apprentices also cover units on communication, managing an athlete’s lifestyle and career, 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.
5/1/12
The English teenager became the youngest winner of the Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship held at Royal Portrush when she took the title in June aged only 16, breaking a 112-year record.
Now 17 and in her second year of the AASE programme, Taylor, beat cyclist Lucy Garner and swimmer Eleanor Simmonds to the award.
The decision was made by a panel chaired by BBC Sport presenter John Inverdale.
The youngster made a memorable debut on the Ladies European Tour, qualifying for the Slovak Open and then hitting a hole in one during the first round and is ranked 20th in the women's amateur world rankings.
Taylor helped England win a silver medal at the European Girls Team Championships in the Junior Solheim Cup and was also a member of England's winning Ladies' Home Internationals team. She has been now been signed by Baylor College, Dallas, Texas, on a sports-based scholarship.
Speaking about her achievements, Ryder Cup player and world number 25 Ian Poulter said: "She is not only a great golfer but an extremely well-rounded young woman. Lauren is a deserving winner of the award and has my full support as she moves forward with her golfing career."
Steve Robinson, English Women's Golf Association national coach, added: "Lauren has always impressed me with her work-rate, attitude and ambition along with her desire to compete - the attributes all top-class athletes require.
"Lauren is a very talented, down to earth sportsperson and has a very bright future ahead of her."
In addition to Taylor, Garner and Simmonds, the original shortlist of 10 also included: Liam Broady (tennis), Sally Brown (athletics), Tom Daley (diving), Jack Laugher (diving), Pat McCormack (boxing), Laura Robson (tennis) and Anthony Watson (rugby union).
The award is made to the outstanding young sportsperson aged 16 or under on 1 January 2011. Previous winners include Daley, Andy Murray, Wayne Rooney, Simmonds and Theo Walcott.
Learn more about SkillsActive's Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence
There are two types of Apprenticeships available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector in Wales:
For information and documents relevant to apprenticeships in England see Frameworks and Guidance for Wales
Frameworks and Guidance for Wales>
SkillsActive manages the Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship frameworks in partnership with Habia, the sector body for the hair, beauty, nails and spa sector. For Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship frameworks see the HABIA website
For more information on apprenticeships in Wales see the Welsh Government website.
For more information on Apprenticeships in Wales please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
There are two types of Apprenticeships available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector sector in England:
For information and documents relevant to apprenticeships in England see Frameworks and Guidance for England.
Frameworks and Guidance for England>
SkillsActive manages the Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship frameworks in partnership with Habia, the sector body for the hair, beauty, nails and spa sector.
For Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship frameworks see the HABIA website.
For more information on apprenticeships in England see the National Apprenticeship Service website.
National Apprenticeship Service website>
Register your interest in discovering more about how Apprenticeships could benefit your business >
The AASE-Zine is our monthly newsletter on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence.
It brings you the latest news on our star performing AASE athletes, as well useful updates on the apprenticeship framework.
This edition includes features on Water Polo, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Motorsport and Rugby League.
If you have a story or message that you would like published in one of our upcoming issues, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Download the August AASE- Zine: 17th Edition
Return to publications
skillsactive.com
The AASE-Zine is our monthly newsletter on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence.
It brings you the latest news on our star performing AASE athletes, as well useful updates on the apprenticeship framework.
This edition includes features on Water Polo, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Motorsport and Rugby League.
If you have a story or message that you would like published in one of our upcoming issues, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Download the August AASE- Zine: 18th Edition
Return to publications
skillsactive.com
It has focussed the spotlight on the capacity of the sector to deliver a successful event with a sustainable legacy for sport, as well as the broader legacy using sport and the inspiration of the Games.
To achieve these twin aims, a skilled workforce is essential. SkillsActive will use the Games as a catalyst for change and as a cornerstone of our work.
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. The programme length varies depending on the sport but can be from six months to 24 months.
The AASE programme reflects the range of skills, knowledge and performance criteria required in elite level sport. It is designed to directly measure the 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.
There are currently more than 2500 athletes on the AASE throughout England. More than 20 sports are currently involved in the AASE, including football, rugby union, rowing, boxing, tennis, swimming, and disability including a large number of Olympic and Commonwealth sports.
View the full list of sports involved in AASE >
Read the latest updates in the AASE-Zine >
Download the AASE prospectus for more information on the programme
SkillsActive, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport and industry experts developed the programme in 2004 to ensure top young athletes seeking to perform at the highest level receive the support and training they need to succeed in elite sport. The programme has also been designed so that if an athlete falls short of their ultimate goal, they have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to pursue a secondary of supplementary career.
The Apprenticeship programme is fully funded by the Skills Funding Agency.
SkillsActive works with NGBs and Sport England to develop sport specific entry requirements, ensuring the most talented athletes are selected for the programme. To be eligible for selection you must be aged 16-19 and:
You must also be either:
You can complete AASE through one of two pathways:
This pathway can take between 18 months and 24 months to complete depending on your sport.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance
This competence qualification recognises excellence in a specific sport and is only available as part of the AASE programme. The NVQ Diploma covers the following performance and knowledge related topics:
These units cover some of the most important factors to becoming an elite athlete, and are vital for an athlete moving onto a secondary or supplementary career.
AND one of the following three qualifications:
This pathway takes between six months and 20 months to complete depending on your sport.
Level 3 Certificate in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance & Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Sports Performance
These qualifications recognise excellence in a specific sport and are only available as part of the AASE programme. The certificates cover the following performance and knowledge related topics:
Apprentices on both pathways are also required to complete the following components of the programme:
Functional Skills
Functional Skills are the skills needed for success in education, training and day-to-day work such as writing, communication and basic maths. AASE athletes must complete this component if they have not achieved Grade C or above in GCSE Maths and/or English or Key Skills. Functional Skills carry UCAS points needed to go to university.
Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)
PLTS will be delivered, demonstrated, assessed and evidenced as part of the mandatory units of the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance/ Certificate in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Apprentices learn about employee rights and responsibilities will be through the apprentice's induction programme and completion of the competence qualification.
AASE Portfolio
To achieve the AASE NVQ diploma/ Certificate in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance, apprentices must produce a portfolio demonstrating what they have learnt about each of the units during their sporting pursuits. This could include a training log, a nutrition diary, video samples or a journal. You must also work with a qualified assessor to test your understanding and work-based performance.
Please note apprentices are able to complete additional learning through a part time programme for a maximum of 16 hours per week; this may include A-levels.
National Governing Bodies of sport deliver the AASE programme differently. Depending on the sport apprentices can either:
Once apprentices have successfully completed the AASE programme, they can progress down one of many routes:
Secondary career
The AASE programme recognises that not all apprentices will continue to compete at the highest level. A person’s sporting career can be cut short unexpectedly by injury, loss of form and financial constraints. The combination of academic theory and practical and vocational learning fully prepares athletes for the working world and/ or higher education. AASE equips apprentices to pursue a career in whichever direction they want to go - and provides them with expert advice to help get them there. The SkillsActiveCareers website showcases a number of career pathways and specific job information for those interested in a future career in sport and leisure. It also features video interviews and virtual tours of working environments. For quality assured sector information with fantastic technological resources visit SkillsActiveCareers
Secondary career The AASE programme recognises that not all apprentices will continue to compete at the highest level. A person’s sporting career can be cut short unexpectedly by injury, loss of form and financial constraints. The combination of academic theory and practical and vocational learning fully prepares athletes for the working world and/ or higher education. AASE equips apprentices to pursue a career in whichever direction they want to go - and provides them with expert advice to help get them there. The SkillsActiveCareers website showcases a number of career pathways and specific job information for those interested in a future career in sport and leisure. It also features video interviews and virtual tours of working environments. For quality assured sector information with fantastic technological resources visit SkillsActiveCareers.
Professional contract or full-time sports performance
Either with a professional club, through Lottery funding and the World Class Performance programme, or on a relevant ‘tour’
A wide choice of semi-professional or sports related careers
AASE athletes can access expert careers advice from NGBs, SkillsActive and careers advisors on what jobs are suitable for them. Sports related careers would include, Sports Coach, Support Officer in High Performance Environment.
Further / Higher Education
The NVQ Diploma/ Certificate in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance do not currently carry UCAS points. Other elements of the programme including Btec qualifications and functional skills do carry UCAS points. Examples of qualifications an AASE apprentice may go on to study include:
Apprentices can also progress into a variety of job roles within the active leisure and learning sector on completion of this advanced programme. Secondary career The AASE programme recognises that not all apprentices will continue to compete at the highest level. A person’s sporting career can be cut short unexpectedly by injury, loss of form and financial constraints. The combination of academic theory and practical and vocational learning fully prepares athletes for the working world and/ or higher education. AASE equips apprentices to pursue a career in whichever direction they want to go - and provides them with expert advice to help get them there. The SkillsActiveCareers website showcases a number of career pathways and specific job information for those interested in a future career in sport and leisure. It also features video interviews and virtual tours of working environments. For quality assured sector information with fantastic technological resources visit www.skillsactive.com/careers
AASE alumni apprentices have achieved huge success in the sporting arena, including Olympic and Paralympic medals, Commonwealth medals and professional contracts.
Past AASE athletes include:
The November 2009 Apprenticeship Act states that all apprentices need to be employed and earning the national minimum wage from day one of starting on their Apprenticeship programme. However, following negotiations with Government, Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Sports are exempt from mandatory employment.
Once you have completed the AASE, you can for your certificate of completion. Please ensure you chose the right form based on the date you completed the programme.
AASE Certification Form pre 14th April 2011 (for apprentices completing their programme before 14th April 2011)
AASE Certification Form pre 14th April 2011 (for apprentices completing their programme after 14th April 2011)
For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Contact SkillsActive | Work for SkillsActive | Our Board | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility
SkillsActive UK is a registered charity no. 1098336 and a company limited by guarantee registered in
England and Wales no. 4661021, registered office Castlewood House, 77-91 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG.
© 2013 SkillsActive
