National Apprenticeship Week: Apprenticeships are for everyone, including Premier League footballers!
Posted on: 12th Feb 2025
Apprenticeships 
It’s National Apprenticeship Week – and today’s theme is Apprentice Wednesday.
So, what better opportunity to shine a light on one of our own apprentices studying Ignite’s Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager programme.
Andrew Impey spent 10 years in football’s top flight, lifted trophies at Wembley and rubbed shoulders with legends Alan Shearer, David Beckham and Thierry Henry on the pitch.
The 53-year-old retired from playing in 2006 and almost two decades after hanging up his boots he’s decided to invest in the power of apprenticeships as part of his coaching role with Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
But what would drive a former Premier League professional to take on an apprenticeship? We caught up with Andrew as part of our latest National Apprenticeship Week feature.
Learning something new each day
In almost every circumstance, a professional footballer’s career does not end when they decide to hang up their boots.
Retirement from any professional sport can occur at any moment and can often be outside of the person’s control.
Andrew was fortunate to enjoy a 16-year professional career. But that drive to be the best version of himself never left him after playing his final game.
“I’ve achieved everything all young players dream of experiencing – playing in the Premier League and stepping out onto Wembley’s turf,” said Andrew. “Never did I think I’d be studying an apprenticeship when calling time on my playing career.
“Every day in football is a day for learning. That spans from our players in the academy to our senior members of staff.
“Before beginning my apprenticeship, I had no idea they could be so useful. I thought apprenticeships were for school leavers only!
“Studying has genuinely been a game changer. A lot of ex-players recommended an apprenticeship to me and I’m glad I took their advice. Studying on this course has been a real eye-opener for me, and I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
Apprenticeships for everyone
Increasingly, businesses are becoming more aware of the true value of apprenticeships and how they support productivity, employee retention, staff satisfaction and morale.
In the latest academic year, over 339,600 people in England started an apprenticeship – that’s almost double the number of apprentices compared to two decades ago.
Despite stereotypes that apprenticeships only serve a purpose to young people, people aged 18 or younger accounted for less than a third (31 per cent) of new apprentices in that time.
He added: “I guess I don’t fit the stereotype of a typical apprentice.
“But more professionals are turning to vocational qualifications to develop new skills, progress their careers and become the best version of themselves.
“That’s my aspiration too.
“It’s what I strived for every day during my career on the pitch and it should be no different today.”
Developing key skills and knowledge
Andrew’s course is delivered by Oxford-based registered training provider Ignite Training.
Ignite was founded in 1999 by Oxford City FC Director of Football Justin Merritt and now works with professional sports club and businesses to help them establish fit and competent workforces.
Justin said: “Andrew’s story is a shining example of how, regardless of your age or experience, apprenticeships can support personal and career development. There are many added benefits to the organisation as well with increased staff motivation, retention and development.
“Andrew had a fabulous career as a player and is now developing his skills and knowledge within leadership and management. It’s great to see him and QPR recognise the true value of apprenticeships which today serve a purpose for people at all stages of their careers in all sectors.”
Contact us today!
If your business is considering investing in the power of apprenticeships in 2025, why not drop our team a message today and see how we can help.
A full list of apprenticeships our team delivers can be viewed here and information on how non-levy paying organisations can access free training can be found here.
Phone: hello@ignitetraininguk.com
Email: 0300 303 0890
