Apprenticeships are currently soaring in the UK, they are part funded by the government and provide those aged 16 and over with the opportunity to work whilst learning - they are a great alternative to university.
Apprenticeships typically start at level 3 which is considered an advanced apprenticeship and equivalent to two A-levels. They will generally last for a 1-2 year period, depending on if the apprentice moves onto a more advanced level such as from level 3 to level 4.
Over the last few years apprenticeships have become very popular, success rates have risen and more young adults are looking into apprenticeships to start their career effectively.
Why Employ an Apprentice?
Cost Effective
Apprenticeships are very cost effective as they are part funded by the government, meaning the government gives employers with less than 50 staff a sum of money (£1,500 at the time or writing), in order to support businesses who are willing to hire and qualify an apprentice. Wages for apprentices also start from £3.40 per hour, lower than the national minimum wage. This is very beneficial to schools as there is less financial risk in taking on a new employee.
Support
Apprentices are perfect for offering additional support to your school, in fact, over 70% of organisations who employ apprentices believe they make the workplace more productive.
Sports apprentices offer support in a wide range of areas such as:
Classroom Support
One of the main benefits of hiring an apprentice to work in your school is that the program can help them work towards becoming both a sports coach and teaching assistant. Therefore, your apprentices can work in your classrooms, alongside your teachers on a one-to-one or small group basis, to either help monitor behaviour or improve children’s knowledge and attitudes towards learning - meeting their desired levels by the end of the year. Apprentices can assist in all areas.
PE Support
Sports apprentices offer support in PE - they can plan sessions, create games, engage children in sports, lead classes and help staff enhance the national curriculum whilst meeting set targets.
Play Support
Play support, where the apprentice will carry out sporting activities during breaktime, lunchtime and breakfast and afterschool clubs, is a very crucial element to a sports apprentice’s role.
Not only does this keep children active, it also gives sports coaches the chance to get to know the children, build relationships and inspire children to be active.
Assistance across a wide range of areas
PE Coordinator
Sports coaches have the opportunity to assist the PE coordinator with key tasks to improve PE sessions in your school. Tasks can range from planning and preparing competitions to creating and managing equipment audits.
National Hours and Tutored Hours
Apprentices can work both in national and tutored hours. National hours are optional hours where your school can allocate hours to the apprentice in order to complete tasks or work on specific activities. However, tutored hours are compulsory hours where the apprentice must work and assist. Tasks can range from assisting in sessions, monitoring behaviour, sorting resources and preparing sessions.
Engage and Inspire
As apprentices are typically below the age of 24, they are more likely going to be a role model for younger children. The children will feel as though they can relate and rely on sports apprentices, meaning they will want to engage more in sports, learn new skills, have someone to lean on and listen to the apprentice to ‘be like them one day’.
This is very valuable, especially in primary schools, as children are at the prime age for starting a healthy, active lifestyle. Sports apprentices can really push children in the right direction and get them eager and willing to learn new sports.
How Will This Benefit the Apprentice?
Not only will an apprentice contribute to the success of your sports department, the apprentice will also greatly benefit from the experience. They will:
- Learn new skills.
- Gain new experiences.
- Receive qualifications such as a Level 3 sports coaching diploma.
- Build the foundation of their career.
If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice sports coach or want to see what our sports coaches can do for you, please call Active Superstars on 0121 222 5464 or email: info@activesuperstars.co.uk
