British Cycling invests in the power of apprenticeships by partnering with Ignite Training

Posted on: 19th Dec 2022

Ignite Training has partnered with British Cycling – the UK’s largest cycling organisation and governing body for cycle sport – to deliver apprenticeship training to its employees.

The partnership will see British Cycling enrol apprentices onto Ignite’s Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship as part of the organisation’s vision to inspire and support people to cycle regularly.

Apprentices will be able to develop all areas of their coaching practice during their studies and identify their own coaching philosophy while promoting a holistic wellbeing within their programmes.

British Cycling has also partnered with Plymouth Council’s Sports Development Unit so apprentices based in the south-west can lead on its project to launch a new inclusive cycling hub in the city as part of their studies.

Julia Klinger-Moore, Club and Group Developer at British Cycling South West, said: “Helping new and existing employees to learn skills and develop their own careers is something British Cycling is very passionate about.

“Furthermore, through our #OurRide strategy we hope to break down barriers people might face when starting cycling. Our apprentices and Kickstart employees play a vital role in diversifying our workforce and making cycling accessible to people of all backgrounds in local communities.

“By blending work towards an industry recognised qualification with Ignite Training and our own education pathways, apprentices develop a well-rounded skillset and understanding of British Cycling’s strategy and work in communities.

“We’re very pleased to be working with Ignite Training and look forward to developing this partnership.”

Ignite Training’s Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), and takes 12-18 months to complete.

Apprentices combine on-the-job development and responsibilities with six hours off-the-job training each week, which is delivered by Ignite Training tutor Wayne Goss.

Justin Merritt, Ignite Training CEO, said: “This is a breakthrough partnership for our team and demonstrates how valued apprenticeships are by leading organisations like British Cycling.

“The experiences and skills apprentices will develop by blending quality and tailored education with work on real-life projects which make a meaningful differences to communities are so important.

“It makes apprenticeships suitable for people at all stages of their career, including school leavers, existing employees, those exploring a career change and individuals wishing to upskill.

“We’re pleased how proactive British Cycling has been to deliver a quality apprenticeship experience to their employees and look forward to working together.”

Further information about Ignite Training and its apprenticeship provisions are available by clicking here.