10th October 2024
This year's apprenticies and employers
Active Sussex launches the third Coach Core Sussex apprenticeship programme
Active Sussex welcomed employers and apprentices to the Sussex Innovation Centre on Thursday, September 26, to officially launch the third Coach Core Sussex apprenticeship programme.
The sports coaching apprenticeship programme targets 16-24 year olds who traditionally may experience barriers, discrimination, and lack of opportunities.
By participating in Coach Core, the apprentices not only gain qualifications, experiences, and additional learning opportunities, but the goal is to ensure that each apprentice goes on to further education or employment and provides greater coaching provision in the communities in which they serve.
Nick Chellel, Strategic Workforce Officer, said: “We are delighted to launch the third Coach Core Sussex cohort, and we have another great group of employers and apprentices.
“Young people need opportunities now more than ever, and we’re pleased to help drive social mobility and tackle inequalities through the excellent Coach Core apprenticeship programme.
“Coach Core is a key part of the Active Sussex Workforce Development Action Plan, as it will not only diversify and strengthen the future sport and physical activity workforce, but also positively impact the communities they serve.
“There are still several positions open for apprentice recruitment, so we hope we can fill these positions, which will provide incredible opportunities for young adults to build meaningful careers within our sector.”
Employers involved in the third cohort include Activ8 for Kids, Defiant Sports, Horsham Sports Services, Sky High Trampoline & Gymnastics Club, South Coast Sports, Sussex Cricket Foundation, and Volume 1 Climbing.
The launch event was the first opportunity for the cohort to come together face-to-face, discuss plans during the 15-18-month apprenticeship scheme, and participate in team-building activities to help build relationships within the cohort.
After some introductions around the group and scene setting, the group enjoyed some fun icebreaker activities, including the Marshmallow Challenge, which asked teams to build the biggest or best structure using marshmallows, dry spaghetti, and Blu Tack.
At the end of the activity, each group was asked to vote for the best structure, with the South Coast Sports team winning thanks to their innovative design of a Formula 1 car.
After setting out expectations for the apprenticeship, education tutor Jack Bailey provided further details about the schedule for September to August, followed by opportunities to ask questions and share their feedback on the plans for the first few months of the apprenticeship.
Apprentices have one day of education each week and spend the other four days with their employers.
Based on feedback from previous cohorts, who said they valued the opportunities to come together face-to-face, apprentices will attend a face-to-face education session at the Sussex Innovation Centre at least once per month.
The launch event finished with a walk down to the University of Sussex sports hall to take part in some practical activities delivered by Jack. After a game of Danish long ball and crossing the river/the floor is lava, the session finished with a tug-of-war match between employers and apprentices.
Phil West, Coach Core Employment Coach, said: “Thank you to Nick and the team at Active Sussex for their efforts in launching the third cohort of the Coach Core Sussex programme last week.
“It was a pleasure to be involved on the day and see the new apprentices with their employers.
“It was clear from the off that we have a very engaged, capable group of young people who will thrive under Jack’s leadership in this cohort.
“Coach Core Foundation are excited for this group and the unbelievable opportunities this course will offer all the young people.”
There are still four Coach Core Sussex apprenticeship positions open for applications. Please click the links below to find out more: