Up to 14 new apprentices are needed by Erewash School Sport Partnership to help deliver PE in schools following the successful launch of a pilot programme.
ESSP recruited six apprentices this year, who are based in primary and secondary schools across the borough supporting staff in delivering PE to pupils.
But the scheme has been such a success that two more apprentices are needed this year and up to 12 from September 2017.
Apprentices are aged 18 to 19 and support teachers with PE lessons, run lunchtime and after-school clubs, help out with competitions and School Games events and mentor children.
Current apprentice Adam Smith, 18, is an ex-Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy student who is based at Chaucer Junior School, where he used to be a pupil.
He said: “I heard about the apprentice roles and I’m really interested in sport so I thought I would apply. I had an interview and when I was told that I’d been successful I was really happy. I chose to come back to Chaucer as I used to come here and I loved it.
“It’s a great opportunity because I’m getting experience and gaining qualifications too. I’m really enjoying it.”
Anna Upton, head teacher at Chaucer Junior, said Adam had already inspired a lot of children to play sport.
She said: “The children relate well to Adam and are keen to listen to his advice. He is working well to support individual children in PE lessons and is able to give children specialised intervention based on need in order to raise achievement. He is a great asset to our team.”
Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partnership development manager, said she was delighted that more schools were interested in being part of the apprentice scheme.
She said: “We currently have apprentices at Grange Primary, Stanley St Andrew’s, Friesland, Chaucer, St Thomas and Cotmanhay Junior and we need another two for Sawley Junior and Longmoor.
“We also want students to start thinking about next year as we will be looking for at least 12 apprentices to work in schools in the area. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain vital work experience and qualifications that could help them in the future whatever career path they choose to take.”
The positions are based on one-year contracts and qualifications and training is delivered alongside the paid role. It will lead to a qualification in a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of PE and School Sport.
Applicants ideally need Maths and English at GCSE Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2, although this can be taught during the apprenticeship.
They need to have a keen interest in sport, excellent levels of attendance and punctuality, be well organised, have the ability to be adaptable and use their initiative. Apprentices spend four days a week working in a school and one day receiving training.
Individuals older than 19 can apply as long as they have not already completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship or higher (a degree).
Anyone interested in applying should send an application letter detailing why they are suitable for the role with a copy of their CV to rlilley@kirkhallam.derbyshire.sch.uk
