Newly qualified Coach Core coaches celebrate success

A group of newly qualified coaches were all treated to a forest school experience to celebrate their achievements.

The six coaches all recently passed their Coach Core apprenticeship programme, which saw them gain their Level 2 Community Activator Qualification, with three gaining distinctions. 

As well as this qualification, apprentices have accessed additional training on inclusion, street dance and Play Their Way/child first coaching. 

Nick Chellel, Workforce Officer and lead for Coach Core at Active Sussex, said: “I would like to congratulate the apprentices and employers of the Coach Core Sussex programme. 

“It’s been a pleasure working with them to develop these young coaches, their dedication and hard work has been commendable, and they should all be extremely proud of their achievements. 

“I’m absolutely delighted with how this cohort has developed. 

“It’s no easy feat to complete an apprenticeship programme and it’s a credit to the apprentices and employers.” 

Nick added: “We implemented some improvements to the programme this year, such as more face-to-face education sessions and additional events to support apprentice development, which has paid dividends and led to an improved experience for both employers and apprentices. 

“This has led to a significant increase in those completing the Coach Core Sussex programme. 

“Coach Core is a key component of the Active Sussex workforce development action plan, helping to diversify the workforce by providing young adults that have experienced challenges with an opportunity to kick start their careers in the sector, creating a new generation of coaches that are improving lives and supporting local communities. 

“Here’s to the transformative power of apprenticeships and the bright futures of these young coaches!”

The morning event was held at Education Futures in Hastings and was led by one of their forest school leaders, supported by Coach Core Sussex graduate Abi Watson. 

Alongside the newly qualified apprentices were some of the employers who took part in the apprenticeship scheme, including Activ8 for Kids, Education Futures Trust, Sky High Gymnastics & Trampoline Club, and Dance Hub. 

During the forest school session, the group had to learn navigation skills to find items hidden around the site and learn how to start a fire before making tea and toasting marshmallows. 

Following the activities, the newly qualified apprentices and employers took part in a session to provide feedback on the Coach Core Sussex programme, and highlight the strengths/successes of the programme and any areas for improvement. 

Highlights mentioned included attending events, including the Active Sussex network, community of learning sessions, and the Parallel Youth Games.

There will be a third Coach Core Sussex cohort launching in September and apprentice recruitment is underway, with eight positions available for young adults aged 16-24 who have traditionally experienced barriers, discrimination, and lack of opportunities: https://www.activesussex.org/developing-the-workforce/coaching/coach-core/

For young adults interested in applying, read this article from recent Coach Core Sussex graduate and Dance Hub coach Lauren Parrott: https://www.activesussex.org/coach-core-apprenticeship-how-an-apprenticeship-has-opened-doors-for-one-young-person/