Sports apprenticeships

With schemes available for every talent, sports apprenticeships allow you to train in your chosen field and earn a salary, all while pursuing your passionÌý

What apprenticeships are available?

On a sports apprenticeship, you can train as a:Ìý

• community sport and health officerÌý
• leisure duty manager/duty managerÌý
• sports coachÌý
• golf course managerÌý
• outdoor learning specialistÌý
• personal trainerÌý
• community activator coachÌý
• golf greenkeeperÌý
• advanced sports turf technicianÌý
• sports turf operativeÌý
• physiotherapistÌý
• sporting excellence professional.Ìý

Apprenticeships are offered from Level 2 to Level 6, to suit your skills and qualifications.Ìý

• Level 2 - intermediate apprenticeships, such as community activator coach or leisure team member, require GCSEs in English and maths.ÌýÌý
• Level 3 - advanced apprenticeships offer roles like personal trainer or advanced sports turf technician. You'll need five GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths.Ìý
• Level 4/5 - Higher apprenticeships, like sports coach or outdoor learning specialist, typically require four to five GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent).ÌýLevel 4 is equivalent to the first year of a university degree or an Higher National Certificate (HNC), while Level 5 is comparable to a foundation degree or an Higher National Diploma (HND).Ìý
• Level 6 - degree apprenticeships (Level 6), such as physiotherapy, are equivalent to a full Bachelors degree.Ìý

Learn more about apprenticeships.Ìý

Where can I study a sports apprenticeship?

• Barnsley College -Ìýthe sports turf and gold greenkeepers (Level 2) apprenticeship. You'll gain hands-on experience managing turf, equipment, and operating machinery.Ìý
• Exeter College - on the personal trainer (Level 3) apprenticeship, you'll learn to create exercise plans, share nutrition tips, and provide general lifestyle coaching.Ìý
• Doncaster College - as a community sport and health officer (Level 3), you'll seek to create a more active population, investigating the design of successful sports and fitness programmes to see how they can reduce or prevent anti-social behaviour.Ìý
• Competence Development Ltd - on an sporting excellence professional (Level 3) apprenticeship, you'll pursue a professional sports career while developing your academic skills.Ìý
• Derby College - the leisure duty manager (Level 3) apprenticeship teaches you skills for managing a leisure facility, including leading staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and health and safety.Ìý
• Kendal College - an outdoor activity instructor (Level 3) apprenticeship teaches you the skills and knowledge to lead safe and fun outdoor sessions in various environments and weather conditions, all following proper safety procedures.Ìý
• Loughborough College - a sports coach (Level 4) apprenticeship develops your ability to create coaching programmes to develop participants' sports skills, leading to an improvement in their performance.Ìý
• University of Salford - the physiotherapist (Level 6) apprenticeship develops your expertise in recovery and therapy to provide effective treatment to clients.Ìý

Sports apprenticeships are also available through local councils, such as Oldham's Level 2 leisure team member or Level 3 leisure duty manager, allowing for valuable on-the-job training within a well-respected organisation.Ìý

You can research a full list of providers at Gov.uk - Sports apprenticeships.Ìý

What do sports apprenticeships involve?

Sports apprenticeships offer a valuable combination of on-the-job experience and a nationally recognised qualification. By integrating practical training with academic learning, these programmes provide a structured and rewarding path towards a fulfilling career in the world of sports.ÌýÌý

Full time sports apprentices typically spend one or two days per week at college and two or three days per week at a training center, depending on the requirements of the employer.Ìý

You will study a variety of modules for example, on the four-year physiotherapist programme at the University of Salford, you will study modules on:Ìý

• spinal assessment and managementÌý
• neurological assessment and managementÌý
• cardo respiratory assessment and managementÌý
• discovering and evaluating health and wellbeing interventions.Ìý

As for sports coaching apprenticeships, Sport Structures offers an 18-month School Sports Coach Level 4 programme. You can choose from three pathways:Ìý

• school sports coachÌý
• community sports coachÌý
• high-performance sports coach.Ìý

During the apprenticeship, you'll receive support in developing your coaching philosophy, designing effective programmes, and fostering a positive learning environment.Ìý

The difficulty of your tasks and the level of responsibility you hold will increase as your apprenticeship progresses.Ìý

Who are they aimed at?

Level 2 apprenticeships focus on foundational skills and don't require formal qualifications like GCSEs. You'll need to be over 16 and not in full-time education to apply.Ìý

Programmes at Level 3 and upwards delve deeper into specific areas of sports and will require GCSEs in English, maths, and science for a strong foundation. You'll need to be 16 or over and you can't be enrolled in full-time education elsewhere.Ìý

For more advice on entry requirements, see What is an apprenticeship?Ìý

How much will I be paid as a sports apprentice?

In the first year of your apprenticeship, even if you're over 19, you'll be paid at least £6.40 per hour (as of April 2024). This applies to all your working hours, including training time.Ìý

Once you complete your first year and reach 19, you'll move on to the regular National Minimum Wage for your age group. You'll get a minimum of 20 days of paid holiday on top of your hourly wage.Ìý

Many employers pay above the minimum wage, so your earnings can grow as you gain experience. For instance, YMCA pay their personal trainer apprentices £240 per week, while the salary for an apprentice sports coach at USports is between £8,200 and £14,300 a year.Ìý

How do I apply?

When applying for a sports apprenticeship, it's crucial to understand the programme's specifics. Tailor your application to match the required skills and experience the employer seeks.Ìý

Online applications are common but always check with the organisation first. Some might require a CV a²Ô»å cover letter showcasing your passion for sports and relevant experiences, such as volunteering with sports teams or coaching.Ìý

Assessment centres or insight days may be part of the selection process. These help employers evaluate your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a sports context. Alternatively, some employers may use video interviews.Ìý

For guidance, explore our example apprenticeship cover letter or learn how to apply for an apprenticeship.Ìý

Find out more

• Explore sports coaching courses.
• See our overview of the leisure, sport and tourism sector in the UK.