The National Apprentice Week recognises and celebrates accomplishments of apprentices, so we wanted to highlight the incredible work of Coach Core. The initiative, that is based around the country, with a cohort or employers and apprentices here in Essex, use the power of sport and apprenticeships to change the lives of young adults.
With 202 physical activity and sport organisations employing Coach Core apprentices around the country, the programme starts young people’s career path, with passion and purpose, providing them with relatable role models, creating healthier and more active communities. In Essex, since 2016, Active Essex and the Coach Core programme has worked with 19 different employers, and helped 75 young people start their careers, delivering an estimated 88,000 coaching sessions to over 1 million participants.
Chloe Hinds, Active Essex Assistant Relationship Manager, said: “Active Essex have had the pleasure of working with Coach Core Foundation for a number years. The practical skills learnt through coaching sessions and work placements, is coupled with an educational emphasis, providing apprentices with the necessary skills and relevant qualifications to pursue a career within our sector. We currently have 12 apprentices engaged with the programme working with our locally trusted organisations across Essex, and it’s always wonderful to see how the young people develop over the course of 15 months.”
Coach Core apprentices are supporting coaching teams and organisations across Essex to deliver activity and engage more young people in physical activity and sport. The Coach Core employers are playing a vital role in ensuring there are a wealth of opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities, and create varied routes into employment within the physical activity and sport sector.
Pursuing an apprenticeship is a great route into our sector.
Bailey, the Changing One Million Lives Coach Core Apprentice said: “Any young person wanting to get involved, should! It has helped me improve my confidence, my knowledge, and my skill set. My employer has supported me with further coaching courses and offered me additional opportunities. Sport is very diverse and can offer a wide range of activities that you can get into. I’m finally really excited for my future.”
The Coach Core programme helps to develop apprentices by building their confidence and skills, and provides them with the ability to experience different groups, people and scenarios to set them up for life. By working with employers within disadvantaged communities, it helps them to strengthen their area, showing the power of sport and physical activity.
Adam Hampson, Essex Professional Coaching, Coach Core Employer said: “There has never been a better time to get involved in our sector. If you want to play a massive part in making a big difference on a daily basis to support and shape the physical activity levels with the next generation of children, then I would highly recommend pursuing an apprenticeship opportunity. Coach Core candidates can pick up a wealth of knowledge, on the job experience and qualifications to in a relatively short period of time to set themselves up for a fulfilling career, whilst earning a wage at the same time.”
Jasmine Reynolds, Yellow Door Coach Core Employer, added: “We wanted to get involved with the Coach Core Apprentice programme because we know it gives our apprentices essential skills when working in the community, as well as helping to develop their coaching skills and character. Our Coach Core Apprentice helps develop the confidence and self-esteem of the other young people we work with, whilst ensuring they get moving and have fun.”
Find out more about Coach Core at: www.coachcore.org.uk
