A good sports coach has outstanding leadership, communication and organisational skills and can inspire confidence and performance in people of all ages and abilities.
Helping individuals aspire to reach their true potential and acting as a figure of encouragement is a rewarding role. But how do you break into the industry and obtain the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required to become a quality coach?
Ignite Training’s Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprenticeship supports aspiring coaches in taking the first steps to becoming a qualified and trusted coach.
In our latest Apprenticeship Focus blog, we explore who the Level 2 course is for, what is learnt and how it facilitates a pathway to further education and development.
Is the course for me?
Level 2 apprenticeship – the equivalent of a GCSE grade
Our Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprenticeship is suitable for you if you are:
- Aged 16 or older and not in full-time education
- Have a passion for multiple sports and coaching
- Want to develop a broader understanding of different roles the sports sector offers
The course is delivered either remotely via Teams to apprentices based across the UK or in-person for those employed by Ignite at our Oxford headquarters.
Tutor Kyle Bestley said: “This apprenticeship is for individuals who are enthusiastic about multiple sports.
“They must be keen to work with groups of people of varying abilities and willing to develop their communication, delivery and organisational skills.”
What will I learn?
The syllabus is broken down into five modules which are delivered over a 12-month period.
We take a look at each module here.
Module One – Safeguarding
Before apprentices begin to shadow our experienced and qualified team of coaches in a variety of community environments, it’s important they develop core safeguarding and behaviour management skills.
In this module, we explore organisations’ code of conduct, their values, how they promote equality and diversity plus internet safety and Prevent.
Module Two – Core coaching skills
Here, we learn about the different leadership styles and key attributes of a sports coach.
Apprentices also learn about the barriers which might prevent people from participating in sport, and how we overcome those. We also highlight the benefits of physical activity and how we educate our audiences in this module.
Module Three – Community Coaching
Before apprentices begin to observe coaches and develop their practical delivery skills, they will learn about health and safety and risk assessment.
This ensures all sessions delivered are safe and suitable for participants.
Module Four – Promoting physical activity
In this module, we consider methods used by organisations to promote their business and physical activity.
We also explore how organisations like Sport England collect and analyse data related to physical activity, and what we can learn from key findings.
Module Five – Project
This is the largest module and will typically last between three to four months. Here, we consider every aspect needed to create a sports event.
It could be a tournament, an open day – anything related to the sports industry. Apprentices learn about targets, the roles of stakeholders and use this knowledge to plan and prepare their own event and then deliver it.
What on-the-job experience will I get?
Exposing apprentices to real-life scenarios accelerates personal development and helps them gain a better understanding of what they want from their career.
It’s why Ignite Sport’s Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprentices work in a variety of environments so they undergo a well-rounded experience of the sports industry. This includes assisting with:
- School and community-based sessions and activities
- Holiday camps
- Matchdays at Oxford City FC
- Career events
- Open days
- Mock interviews
Assessments are varied to cater for all types of learners and include professional discussions, observations, witness testimonies, projects, group presentations and written work.
Who are my tutors?
Ignite Training has developed a talented team of tutors to deliver the course – most of whom graduated from an apprenticeship themselves!
Our Level 2 Community Activator Coach tutors include Kyle Bestley, Jordan Piper and Lloyd Owers. We’ve also committed to introducing guest speakers who can assist with specific areas of the programme for apprentices studying nationally.
What happens when I graduate?
The Level 2 apprenticeship lasts a minimum of 12 months and combines 80% on-the-job development with 20% training.
Graduates are well-placed to take several employment or further education pathways as tutor Kyle explains.
“I used my apprenticeship with Ignite Training as a pathway to work in the sports and leisure industry,” said Kyle. “Now, I’ve done the complete circle and help people who are in my shoes growing up and want to fulfil a career in sport by working as a tutor.
“Graduates of this programme can broaden their knowledge by studying a Level 3 apprenticeship, which can lead to enrolling at university or starting your career.
“The opportunities are endless.”
How do I apply?
If you are a bright, talented and friendly individual who will be leaving school this year or want to take the first step in becoming a sports coach, you can contact our team to apply!
Email hello@ignitetraininguk.com or call 0300 303 0890 where we will be happy to explain more.
Organisations considering hiring Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprentices can also get in touch using the above details.
Further information about our other apprenticeship provisions can be found on our Apprenticeship Standards page.
