Become a PE Apprentice

Becoming a Physical Education (PE) apprentice is a dynamic and rewarding pathway for individuals passionate about promoting health and fitness through education. As an apprentice in the field of physical education, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, gain practical experience, and contribute to the well-being of others. This article outlines the steps and guidelines for aspiring individuals who are eager to embark on a journey to become a Physical Education Apprentice.

Understanding the Role of a Physical Education Apprentice

The Role of a PE Apprentice

A Physical Education apprentice is a trainee who works alongside certified Physical Education teachers to develop a comprehensive understanding of teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and classroom management. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience in planning and delivering engaging physical education lessons that promote fitness, health awareness, and overall well-being among students.

Significance of a PE Apprentice

The role of a PE apprentice holds several key benefits:

Practical Experience: Apprenticeships provide real-world exposure to classroom dynamics, enabling apprentices to apply theoretical knowledge in a tangible educational context. It’s extremely difficult to gain and apply all relevant skills and experience required for Sports Coaching whilst sitting in a lecture room.

Mentorship: Working under the guidance of experienced PE teachers fosters mentorship, allowing apprentices to learn valuable teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and effective communication skills.

Professional Development: Apprenticeships facilitate the development of interpersonal skills, adaptability, and critical thinking—attributes essential for a successful career in physical education.

Inspiring Future Generations: By assisting in the delivery of quality physical education, apprentices contribute to the holistic development of students, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for health and fitness.

Steps to Become a Physical Education Apprentice

Educational Foundation

Before pursuing an apprenticeship in physical education, it’s ideal to have a strong educational foundation and passion for PE.

Research and Identify Opportunities

Research and identify educational institutions, schools, or community organizations that offer physical education apprenticeship programs. Consider factors such as location, the reputation of the institution, and the scope of the apprenticeship program. This might seem daunting and uncomfortable at first, but taking the lead will put you in good stead with an apprenticeship provider and will display the confidence that you possess, a crucial skill in Sports Coaching.

Don’t be afraid to make calls, send out emails, and maybe even approach certain apprenticeship providers as they might be eager to take an apprentice on, and for some, it will remind them of the opportunity to take an apprentice on. It could also work out really well for you and end up putting you exactly where you want to be – training as a Sports Coach apprentice with a reputable company near you.

If you find it difficult to find an apprenticeship program that will take you on, but are still eager to get involved with Sports Coaching, you could always offer to volunteer with a local company and build your reputation with them while stating your enthusiasm and interest about a career in sports. After dedicating your time and commitment, they may be very happy to support you through your training. This could ultimately lead them to take you on as a member of their team in some capacity.

You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take – so make sure you make something happen.

Application Preparation

Prepare a well-crafted application that highlights your passion for physical education, relevant coursework, any prior coaching or teaching experience, and your commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. A CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts are typically required components of the application.

Interviews and Selection

If your application stands out, you may be invited for an interview. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for physical education, your ability to work collaboratively in a team, and your willingness to learn and adapt to different teaching environments.

Formalizing the Apprenticeship

Once selected, you and the educational institution will formalize the terms of the apprenticeship through a written agreement. This agreement outlines the duration of the apprenticeship, responsibilities, expectations, compensation (if applicable), and any other relevant details.

Navigating the Physical Education Apprenticeship

Learning from Experienced Educators

As a Physical Education apprentice, you will work closely with certified PE teachers who will serve as your mentors. Embrace this opportunity to learn from their years of experience, seek guidance, and observe their teaching techniques and strategies.

Classroom Engagement

Participate actively in the planning, preparation, and delivery of physical education lessons. Engage with students, assist in organizing activities, and provide support to create an inclusive and motivating learning environment.

Curriculum Development

Under the guidance of your mentor, contribute to the development and modification of physical education curricula. This involvement allows you to gain insight into curriculum design, adapting lessons to different age groups and skill levels.

Effective Communication

Develop strong communication skills by interacting with students, colleagues, and parents. Learning how to convey instructions, provide constructive feedback, and address concerns is integral to being an effective physical education professional.

Earn as you Learn

A lot of companies/schools/organisations who provide apprenticeship programs will offer you a salary whilst you are learning/working.

Transitioning to a Certified Physical Education Teacher

Completing Apprenticeship Requirements

Apprenticeship requirements vary based on the institution and location. Generally, a set number of supervised hours and successful completion of assigned tasks are necessary to fulfil apprenticeship obligations.

Pursuing Licensure and Certification

After completing the apprenticeship, aspiring Physical Education teachers typically need to pursue licensure or certification in accordance with local regulations. This often involves passing examinations that assess teaching skills, pedagogical knowledge, and subject matter expertise.

Continuing Professional Development

Becoming a certified Physical Education teacher marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of professional growth. Engage in continuing education, attend workshops, and stay updated on the latest developments in physical education and fitness to provide students with the best possible learning experience.

Becoming a Physical Education apprentice is an exciting and meaningful path for individuals dedicated to fostering health, fitness, and well-being among students. Through a combination of classroom engagement, mentorship, and practical experience, apprenticeships provide the foundation for a successful career as a certified Physical Education teacher. By following the steps outlined in this article, aspiring educators can embark on a rewarding journey that contributes to the holistic development of future generations and the promotion of lifelong healthy habits.

An Accessible Alternative to An Apprenticeship

As mentioned throughout this article, getting involved in an apprenticeship program is a great way to get into the world of Sports Coaching. Unfortunately, however, this route might not be applicable to all, or achievable by all. This might be down to a number of things that are not within the applicant’s control. In which case, an apprenticeship becomes an impossible option.

Maybe you’d also like the assurance that your work in a sports delivery setting will provide you with a valuable qualification, rather than a hope that you might have the opportunity to take up an apprenticeship one day in the future.

Thankfully there is another option to become a Sports Professional – the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport.  You have the assurity that you’ll receive a professional qualification upon completion, that is recognised by industry bodies and equips you to become a Sports Professional.

Little stands in your way of achieving this industry recognised qualification; all you need to get started is a passion for sport, and an enthusiasm for delivering sports coaching to young people.

You will need to have a training placement, but this could be as an assistant at an afterschool or weekend club; far more accessible than a full-time placement.  As long as you’re involved in helping to deliver sports in some way, you can enrol on the 1^st4Sport NVQ Level 3 Diploma.

1st4Sport NVQ Level 3 Diploma

If you’re aged 16-24 years and have a passion for sport and working with young people, you can complete the 1^st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport.

The great thing about enrolling on this course is that it only takes 12 months to complete, and you do not need any previous professional qualifications to apply. Once completed, you can become a PE Lead, Coordinator, Sports Coach or School Sport Professional.

Developed in partnership with the Association for Physical Education (afPE), the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma is recognised as the industry standard qualification for Senior Children’s Activity Professionals, by the trade association for providers of sports and physical activity in schools and the wider community, otherwise known as, The Compass Association.

The Association for Physical Education (afPE) has also stated they believe that “by 2015, coaches employed in or by schools supporting Curriculum time P.E. should be qualified to a Level 2 National Governing Body (NGB) Award and be working towards a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport or equivalent, to comply with the forthcoming afPE Safe Practice Guidance for Schools.” (March 2013).

The qualification also has the support of CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, as an industry-relevant qualification contributing to the industry’s professional framework.

You can hit the ground running by working within primary or secondary schools, sports coach clubs or a private P.E. provider, and enjoy immediate hands-on experience.

This accessible course also provides a fantastic foundation for building your skills and experience from a young age, so you can develop your professional status in the field of sports education at the time and pace that suits you.

You can quickly register for the NVQ Level 3 online, without any previous formal qualifications required.  The cost is affordable and can be broken down into manageable instalments throughout your year of training.  Funding may also be available for some if not all of your fees, and it’s incredibly easy to find out if you qualify – simply apply online and you’ll be informed if you’re eligible for funding support.

When completing the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport, with Teach Sport, you will be allocated a tutor who checks in with you regularly to make sure you are keeping up with the demands of the course and who will be available to answer any questions that you may have regarding anything. We have also made a portal with all the course content on there, readily available so you can get to completing the course at your own pace. It also has email addresses of all tutors, including a link that takes you to a booking page where you can book in a face-to-face call to chat about anything you need.