Training and Qualifications
SkillsActive works on behalf of the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector to develop a framework of qualifications and training that meets employer needs, ensuring the workforce is properly trained and qualified.
Our National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure works with the best training providers in our sector to deliver cost-effective, quality assured training solutions.
Training
Providing training for employees not only helps them develop their skills and knowledge – it’s also a building block to business success.
Qualifications
SkillsActive works with employers and training providers to develop vocational qualifications that enable people to be competent in specific types of work.
Quality Assurance
Discover more about how SkillsActive ensures that quality training is available to those in the sector.
Apprenticeship frameworks and guidance for Northern Ireland
This section contains information and documents relevant to Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. All files are in PDF format.
Frameworks
SkillsActive offer two Apprenticeship frameworks in Northern Ireland in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector.
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning
These are also held on the Department for Employment and Learning website.
Apprenticeship frameworks and guidance for England
This section contains information and documents relevant to apprenticeships in England. All files are in PDF format.
SASE Apprenticeship frameworks
The Apprenticeship frameworks developed to meet the requirements of the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) are now available on the Apprenticeship Frameworks Online website.
Apprenticeship Frameworks Online website>
Frameworks
SkillsActive offers 12 Apprenticeship frameworks in England in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector.
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Leisure Operations (September 2011)
Possible job roles: park operative, maintenance operative, park receptionist, groundsperson, and recreation/leisure attendant.
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Coaching (January 2012)
Possible job roles: coach, instructor, teacher (tennis and swimming only)
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Spectator Safety (October 2011)
Possible job roles: steward, marshal
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Playwork (April 2011)
Possible job roles: assistant play worker, play centre assistant
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Activity Leadership (November 2011)
Possible job roles: community sports coach, activity leader, fitness leader, outdoors instructor, activity instructor
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Instructing Exercise and Fitness (April 2011)
Possible job roles: fitness instructor / gym instructor, recreation assistant, exercise instructor, leisure centre assistant
Advanced Level Apprenticeships
Advanced Apprenticeship in Outdoor Programmes (April 2011)
Possible job roles: outdoor instructor, senior instructor, assistant & trainee variations, activity specific titles, for example climbing wall supervisor, team leader / supervisor, head of activity, project leader, group leader / counsellor
Advanced Apprenticeship in Advanced Fitness (April 2011)
Possible job roles: advanced fitness instructor, studio coordinator, personal trainer, yoga and pilates teacher
Advanced Apprenticeship in Advanced Spectator Safety (October 2011)
Possible job roles: senior steward, marshal
Advanced Apprenticeship in Advanced Playwork (April 2011)
Possible job roles: playworker, senior playworker
Advanced Apprenticeship in Leisure Management (September 2011)
Possible job roles: advanced fitness instructor, studio coordinator, personal trainer, and yoga and pilates teacher
Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Development (January 2012)
Possible job roles: community sports development officer, sports specific development officer
Supporting documents for personal learning and thinking skills element of the apprenticeship
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeship Frameworks review timetable
- Apprenticeship Frameworks operational times
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.
Fitness and Leisure
The fitness industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy. SkillsActive can help those looking for jobs in the fitness industry gain the right training and support employers to identify candidates with the right skills.
SkillsActive helps the fitness and leisure sector cater for the growing number of fitness clubs and leisure centres by developing recognised qualifications frameworks that meet the needs of employers – helping individuals find jobs in the fitness and leisure industries.
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) , which is part of SkillsActive, provides recognition those with jobs in the fitness industry as competent professionals.
SkillsActive’s endorsement process makes it easy to identify approved training providers offering quality courses and qualifications relevant to those in the fitness and leisure industry. SkillsActive can also support employers with finding cost-effective ways to train staff in common roles and increase the number of people with jobs in the fitness industry.
Qualifications
Having a qualification to back up your knowledge and experience is increasingly important in the active leisure, learning and well-being sector.
SkillsActive works on behalf of the sector to create and deliver the qualifications employers need and want.
We make sure employers can access the right qualifications, based on national standards designed by employers, so the workforce is properly trained and qualified.
Read more about the Qualifications and Credit Framework
Vocational qualifications
SkillsActive works with employers and training providers to develop qualifications that enable people to be competent in specific types of work.
Higher Education courses
SkillsActive identifies and endorses degrees in fitness, sport and leisure that effectively prepare students for employment.
National Occupational Standards
SkillsActive is licensed by government to produce and maintain National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a cost effective way to recruit and train employees. They enable apprentices to earn money while gaining hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications.
SkillsActive works with employers to ensure Apprenticeships across our sector deliver the knowledge and skills their business needs.
Employers
Fill the skills gaps in your company and build a highly loyal workforce with Apprenticeships. Find out how to access funded training.
Training providers
Find out about Apprenticeship funding, frameworks, certification and verifying your apprentice’s training.
Individuals
Kick-start your sport and active leisure career with an Apprenticeship. Find out more about the different types of Apprenticeships available.
Frameworks
Ensure your Apprenticeship programmes meet the needs of employers with SkillsActive’s frameworks.
Key facts
Read our frequently asked questions to learn the facts about what an Apprenticeship entails.