Sport Apprenticeships are suitable for anyone either wishing to start a career in the leisure industry, or for those already employed looking to 
build upon existing skills and to get additional professional qualifications paid for so that they can progress in their workplace. We also have those who complete the apprenticeship in their gap year and other apprentices who have chosen to be an apprentice instead of studying A2s - preferring a work based approach to learning.
There are 2 different levels in the apprenticeship programme depending on your current experience: Exercise and Fitness Level 2 Apprenticeship or Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Each apprentice is different and that is why you have individual visits from tutors and assessors throughout the journey.
Relevant Fitness courses are fully funded if you are on the apprenticeship programme. All of our fitness courses are accredited by Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) which is the industry leader in vocational education.
Seven Steps to Success!
The Apprenticeship Journey
Step 1:
Choose your route
Consider which Apprenticeship route is right for you. Your choice will depend on what interests you, your existing skills and interests and if applicable what your existing job role is.
The options are:
Exercise and Fitness – ideal for those who already work in a gym environment with individuals or groups, providing inductions and personalised training sessions. All you need is a passion for fitness.
Leisure Management – perfect if you wish to progress to being a team leader, or wish to be involved in every aspect of running a leisure centre from lifeguarding to setting up equipment to sports coaching and event management. You will need a reasonable swimming ability (you should be able to swim 50m in less than a minute). This is a highly regarded qualification at Level 3 and leads into management roles. Refer to Leisure Management Apprenticeships page.
Step 2:
Get workplace ready!
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!
If you have not got a job in the leisure industry already, our team will help you produce a CV and covering letter and send 
it to our local contacts. You will also need to search locally for job vacancies.
If you are already working in the leisure industry then you must speak to your line manager to ensure they are willing to give you the time and support to complete the course.
You must be working at least 16 hours in your sector and will be paid a minimum of £2.50 perhour at Level 2 whilst you are training. Level 3 apprentices will be paid a full wage and can expect to work 2-5 days per week.
Your assessor will visit you every couple of weeks in the workplace and be able to help and guide you with any queries.
Step 3:
You will be enrolled on to a nationally recognised course FOR FREE!:
CYQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor
This lasts 12 days spread over a couple of months or you can complete it in evening classes over a year.
Or
CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training.
This runs Tuesday evenings 6.30-9.30 pm and also 10 full day workshops.
Step 4:
In college hours, Tuesday 2 - 5pm, you will complete research projects and tasks which get you more qualifications including “Active IQ Understanding the Leisure Industry” and “HSE Emergency First Aid in the Workplace”.
Step 5:
You will be assessed in your place of work to gain an NVQ.
Level 2 Exercise and Fitness
Or
Level 3 Exercise and Fitness
An assessor will visit you in your place of work every fortnight and observe you completing various tasks. When you have met all the performance criteria you will pass your NVQ.
Step 6:
Having completed steps 1-5 you will get an additional training course FOR FREE:
CYQ Circuits Instructor
Or at Level 3
CYQ Training in Different Environments
Step 7:
Qualify as either a Level 2 or Level 3 Apprentice!!
With this qualification and your experience in the workplace you are now in a good position to progress your career in the leisure industry.
Or on to the advanced apprenticeship
For more information about the apprenticeship programme please contact apprenticeships@collyers.ac.uk or 01403 216566