Coach Core

Driven by a desire to build upon the excitement and enthusiasm of the 2012 Olympic Games, Coach Core launched its Level 2 Sports Community Apprenticeship programme to support disadvantaged young people get back into employment and education.

After a successful 3-year pilot phase in London, Glasgow and Cardiff, Coach Core teamed up with Lifetime to begin a national expansion project in 2015. The successful partnership would see the apprenticeship offer later rolled out to 7 further cities, nurturing the potential and supporting the personal development of the next generation of sports coaches across the UK.

A collaborative partnership that makes 100% of apprentices more productive

The programme is unique. It brings together local networks of employers and recruits apprentices to go through the active leisure programme together – and the impacts on business are clear.

For the 59 individual employers that have an apprentice currently working towards an apprenticeship, the programme supports high retention rates; 63% of apprentices are still working for the same organisation one year after completing their apprenticeship.

The programme promotes the importance of the onward journey, working hard for its learners carving out a career in sports coaching. 100% of learners who achieved their apprenticeship say it's helped their career, nearly 90% of apprentices move into full-time education and employment after Coach Core. 89% of apprentice graduates have been promoted or taken on additional responsibilities.

Starting as Assistant Coaches, apprentices work their way up to leading sessions and projects that support their employer’s needs and activities. It includes learning new skills, undergoing training and obtaining qualifications that will support their wider career pathways – and not just in the coaching sector. Through Coach Core’s Youth Board and alumni groups, we’re training and developing the leaders of the future too.