Back in February, we embarked on an enriching journey together in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Our campaign focused on the significant contributions of apprentices in the sports sector, aiming to spotlight the achievements and promise of these up-and-coming professionals. Here's a closer look at what we've accomplished together.

The power of community engagement
One of the campaign's highlights was the opportunity to voice our support through the 'Apprentice of the Year' and 'Apprentice with Promise' awards. With over 4250 votes cast, our community's enthusiasm was evident. Congratulations to Harry Minifie from Perton Middle School and Adam Winder from Activ8 for receiving these honours. More so, each nominee was acknowledged with a certificate, celebrating their hard work and dedication to their development.

Embracing diversity
A pivotal part of our campaign was dedicated to embracing diversity within apprenticeships. We shared the journey of Ben, a mature apprentice from Eastfield Primary School, showcasing the variety of paths available in sports education and the inclusive opportunities our programmes offer.

Insights from current employers
The campaign also provided a platform for our employer organisations, such as Dream Big Sports, Essex Professional Coaching, Eastfields Primary, and CMXSC, to share their positive experiences with apprentices. This week highlighted the mutual benefits of apprenticeships, for both learners and businesses. Special mention goes to Teachsport, our Employer of the Year, and our runners-up, Epic Partners and Activ8, for their commitment to offering valuable learning experiences.

Apprentice experiences
Turning our attention back to the apprentices, we collected and shared descriptors of their apprenticeship experiences in three words. This allowed us to convey the real impact of our programmes on those we serve - directly from the apprentices themselves. It was an engaging way to communicate the essence of our apprenticeships to potential new participants.

Guiding future journeys
In the final weeks, our focus shifted to providing detailed information for prospective apprentices and employers. Offering insights into funding, skills development, daily activities, and more, we aimed to demystify the apprenticeship experience and make it more accessible to a broader audience.

Moving forward
As we conclude this campaign, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who engaged with us during these weeks. While this chapter may be ending, it's merely the beginning of our continuous effort to foster an accessible, inclusive, and nurturing environment in sports education.

To those curious about sports apprenticeships or considering joining us as partners, please reach out. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals and the broader sports education landscape.

Thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to making sports education inclusive and accessible to all. Let's continue to work together to inspire and educate the next generation of sports professionals.