Apprenticeship types in Wales
There are two types of Apprenticeships available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector in Wales:
- Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
This Apprenticeship provides apprentices with a mix of practical and technical skills to develop at work and progress to further education. It is available at three levels: foundation (level 2 QCF), apprenticeship (level 3 QCF) and higher (levels 4 and above QCF). The Apprenticeship framework and choice of competence qualification will depend on the individual's experience and job role. - Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)
AASE 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.
Learn more about AASE>
Frameworks and guidance
For information and documents relevant to apprenticeships in England see Frameworks and Guidance for Wales
Frameworks and Guidance for Wales>
Hair and Beauty
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
Legacy Apprenticeships
- Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching
This Apprenticeship, which has now finished, provided 14 to 16 year-olds with a combination of academic studies, vocational qualifications and work placements.
Apprenticeships in other sectors
For more information on apprenticeships in Wales see the Welsh Government website.
More information
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.
Apprenticeship types in Northern Ireland
There is one type of Apprenticeship available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector in Northern Ireland:
- Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
This Apprenticeship provides apprentices with a mix of practical and technical skills to develop at work and progress to further education. It is available at level 2 QCF and level 3 QCF. Individuals can pursue the Apprenticeship through one of three different pathways: Exercise and Fitness, Playwork and Operations/Outdoors. The choice of Apprenticeship framework will depend on the individual's experience and job role.
Frameworks and guidance
For information and documents relevant to Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland see Frameworks and Guidance for Northern Ireland.
Frameworks and Guidance for Northern Ireland>
Hair and Beauty
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.
Apprenticeships in other sectors
For more information on apprenticeships in Northern Ireland see the Department for Employment and Learning website.
Department for Employment and Learning website>
More information
For more information on Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Apprenticeship types in England
There are two types of Apprenticeships available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector sector in England:
- Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
This Apprenticeship provides apprentices with a mix of practical and technical skills to develop at work and progress to further education. It is available at intermediate (level 2 QCF) and advanced (level 3 QCF) level, each leading to: competence based qualification (NVQ), knowledge qualifications, and transferrable skills (key skills or functional skills). The Apprenticeship framework and choice of competence qualification will depend on the individual's experience and job role. - Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)
AASE 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.
Learn more about AASE>
Frameworks and guidance
For information and documents relevant to apprenticeships in England see Frameworks and Guidance for England.
Frameworks and Guidance for England>
Hair and Beauty
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.
Legacy Apprenticeships
- Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching
This Apprenticeship, which has now finished, provided 14 to 16 year-olds with a combination of academic studies, vocational qualifications and work placements.
Apprenticeships in other sectors
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 >
Apprenticeship types in Scotland
There are two types of Modern Apprenticeships available in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector in Scotland:
- Modern Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
This Apprenticeship is aimed at those aged 16 or above who are capable of achieving a vocational qualification at level 3. It is available at four levels: level 2 (Scottish Credit and Qual Framework level 5), level 3 (Scottish Credit and Qual Framework levels 6/7), level 4 (Scottish Credit and Qual Framework levels 8/9) and level 5 (Scottish Credit and Qual Framework levels 10/11 ). The choice of Apprenticeship framework will depend on the individual's experience and job role. - Modern Apprenticeship in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance (Football)
This Apprenticeship is aimed at those aged 16 or above who are capable of achieving a vocational qualification at level 3.
Frameworks and guidance
For information and documents relevant to Apprenticeships in Scotland see Frameworks and Guidance for Scotland.
Frameworks and Guidance for Scotland>
Hair and Beauty
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.
Apprenticeships in other sectors
For more information on modern apprenticeships in Scotland see the Scottish Qualifications Autority website.
Scottish Qualifications Authority website>
More information
For more information on Apprenticeships in Scotland please email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Apprenticeship frameworks and guidance
SkillsActive has worked with employers to develop a set of Apprenticeship frameworks. These outline the minimum requirements needed to complete the apprenticeship at each level and for each occupation.
Apprenticeships are available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. However, each country has a slightly different approach.
Select a country below to learn more about the frameworks available in your area.
Northern Ireland
This section contains Apprenticeship frameworks and guidance documents for Northern Ireland.
Scotland
This section contains Modern Apprenticeship frameworks and guidance documents for Scotland.
Apprenticeships: training providers
Apprenticeships are usually delivered through a partnership between an employer and a training provider, although some larger employers may also operate as the training provider for themselves and others.
SkillsActive issues Apprenticeship frameworks, which outline the minimum requirements needed to complete the Apprenticeship at each level and for each occupation. We also provide certification for apprentices in England and Wales.
Access funding for Apprenticeships
If you are a training provider in England or Wales and you would like to deliver government funded Apprenticeships, you need to hold a contract with the Skills Funding Agency.
Training providers in Scotland need to hold a contract with Skills Development Scotland. Training providers in Northern Ireland need to hold a contract with the Department for Employment and Learning.
To gain a contract, you must meet certain requirements, such as minimum contracting value. If you do not meet the minimum contracting value, you can enter into a subcontracting arrangement with a larger training provider. If you are a training provider in England, one way to do this is by joining SkillsActive’s Group Training Association.
To find out more about the Group Training Association email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Registration
Only training providers in Scotland need to register with SkillsActive to deliver Apprenticeships.
To register as a training provider with SkillsActive Scotland, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Types of Apprenticeships
There’s a wide variety of Apprenticeships available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Select a country below to learn more about the types of Apprenticeships available in your area.
Frameworks and guidance
SkillsActive has worked with employers and training providers to develop a set of Apprenticeship frameworks. These outline the minimum requirements apprentices need to complete the apprenticeship at each level and for each occupation. You can then work with your employer and apprentice to identify the most suitable framework for their needs.
Learn more about the Apprenticeship frameworks available in your country by viewing Frameworks and Guidance.
Certification
At the end of their Apprenticeship, all apprentices need a certificate to show they have fulfilled the Apprenticeship requirements.
In England, Wales and Scotland, certificates are issued by SkillsActive. In Northern Ireland, they are issued by the Department for Employment and Learning.
Apprentices can apply for their own certificate or authorise their training provider to apply for one on their behalf.
Download the Apprenticeship certification request forms for England and Wales below.
- Certification Request Form England
This certificate is for apprentices completing their programme in England. - Apprentice Authorization Form England (mandatory to complete for all framework claims via the ACE system)
- Certification Request Form Wales
This certificate is for apprentices completing their programme in Wales.
To request a certificate in Scotland, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Verify apprentice training
Keep track of your apprentice’s training with an activepassport™
activepassportTM is an auditable online tool that will help you track and record an individual’s Guided Learning Hours - a statutory requirement of the new frameworks in England and Wales.
If you’re a training provider, activepassport™ can:
- Give you an overview of your client’s skills, qualifications and competencies
- Identify missing mandatory CPD and compliance requirements
- Help you target individuals with specific courses
- Let you access an extensive captive market, increasing sales and reducing marketing costs
- Enable you to offer clients a powerful tool for maintaining their own records.
Learn more about activepassport™ >
Consultancy
Our consultants can provide you with detailed information about delivering Apprenticeship training, or developing frameworks to suit businesses in your area.
To find out more, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Updates
Find out about Apprenticeship framework updates and other news relevant to Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships: individuals
Apprenticeships are work-based learning schemes that allow you to gain nationally recognised qualifications while earning money. They are a great way to kick-start your career in the vibrant active leisure, learning and well-being sector.
There is a range of intermediate level and advanced level Apprenticeships available in the sector, covering sport, fitness, playwork, caravans, the outdoors, and hair and beauty.
Apprenticeships usually take between 12 and 24 months to complete, depending on the type and level of Apprenticeship. Anyone aged over 16 and not in full-time education can apply.
Key benefits for individuals:
- Join a vibrant, growing sector with great long-term prospects
- Earn a salary while you learn
- Gain high-quality experience for your CV
- Accrue industry and nationally recognised qualifications
Career opportunities with Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide an entry point into many jobs in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector. Find out what exciting careers you could get into with Apprenticeships with SkillsActive Careers.
Types of Apprenticeships
There’s a wide variety of Apprenticeships available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Select a country below to learn more about the types of Apprenticeships available in your area.
Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is SkillsActive's flagship sporting qualification for young people in England and Wales. It is designed for people with the realistic potential to achieve excellent in their sport, either by competing on the world stage or securing a professional contract.
Record your Apprenticeship training online
Keep track of the training, qualifications and work experience you accrue during your Apprenticeship with an activepassport™
activepassport™ is a verified online record that enables you to prove to employers you possess the right skills, training, and experience. What’s more, you can convert it into a professional looking CV.|
If you’re an individual, activepassport™ can:
- Provide you with a recognised online record of qualifications, personal achievements, professional achievements, training courses attended, and any voluntary work
- Create a professional CV that will be tailored to every job you apply for
- Identify training opportunities and potential career pathways
- Help you achieve your goals with its built-in ‘Personal Development Planner’
- Remind you about skills and qualifications that are expiring or need updating.
Over 20,000 people in the UK currently have an activepassport™, and more than 40 UK sport and leisure CEOs representing 70% of the workforce have signed a skills protocol, committing they will work towards their employees holding and maintaining an activepassport™ as standard.
To get your activepassport™, simply become an ActiveOnline user.
Learn more about becoming an ActiveOnline user>
Become an apprentice!
SkillsActive can help those looking for an active, rewarding career find the right training programme to get started!
Alternatively, find apprenticeship opportunities in your area by browsing the vacancies section of the National Apprenticeship Service.
Training
Providing training for employees not only helps them develop their skills and knowledge – it’s also a building block to business success.
SkillsActive works on behalf of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector to develop a framework of qualifications, training and continuous professional that meet employer needs, ensuring the workforce is properly trained and qualified.
Through our National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, we deliver those qualifications, ensuring the training is quality assured, cost effective and relevant to employers’ needs.
CPD
SkillsActive works with training providers to deliver a wide range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to help people maintain their professional knowledge and skills.
Business Skills
SkillsActive offers a range of resources to help people upskill in areas such as communication, literacy and numeracy, and management.
SkillsActiveCareers
SkillsActiveCareers provides expert advice on the training you need to work in the sport, fitness, playwork, outdoors and caravan industries.
Our sectors
SkillsActive works across five key sectors: sport, fitness, outdoors, playwork and caravans. We engage with key employers, set standards for relevant sector qualifications, approve training providers and provide information on the career options available.
As an issuing authority, SkillsActive also works closely with Habia, the government appointed standards setting body for the hair and beauty industry.
Sport
Discover more about our work in sport.
• Training & qualifications
• Expert Groups
• Our work with NGBs
Fitness
Discover more about our work in the fitness industry.
• Training & qualifications
• Expert Groups
• REPs
Playwork
Discover more about our work in playwork.
• Training & qualifications
• Playwork strategy
• Playwork principles
