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I recently caught up with Terry Cooper Deputy Head of Operations, Fitness and Performance at Sussexsport and he explained how his department have used a variety of apprenticeships to upskill and explore other career opportunities for their staff.  Terry shared insights about his own current experience as an apprentice and for a member of his team, highlighting some benefits to them both.

“Sussexsport have used the apprenticeships over the years. We have used the fitness instructor level 3 apprenticeships to upskill our staff to help achieve our objectives and also create opportunities for staff, who maybe had different roles at the time, to develop alternative career direction. The fitness staff were also keen to improve their understanding in this area, using the CPD opportunity. We have more recently used apprenticeships in customer service for our receptionists and we have 5 staff currently completing Level 3 and Level 5 management and leadership qualifications.

"For me personally my apprenticeship has provided an opportunity to understand the frameworks and theory that underpin leadership and management and given me insight into the strengths and weaknesses of my management style. The course content has challenged me to think differently about how I get the best out of the team and myself and increased my knowledge in areas where I had not previously had a great deal of experience. It has been challenging at times to combine work and the course, but I have been able to get support from my skills coach and line manager. The course has some great content, which is new and relevant and from a point of being challenged, it is exactly what I was hoping it would be."

"Ben Ospalak, a Duty Manager in Sussexsport, has completed his level 3 in fitness instruction and is now a year into the level 5 management and leadership course. The level 3 instructor course has improved Ben’s skills in delivery of programs and classes and enhanced his understanding of methods, theory and the science of health and fitness. The management and leadership course is providing Ben with a greater understanding of the many aspects of business, leading teams and organisational structure. This will allow Ben to further contribute to Sussexsport objectives and support his career progression. As a result of the increase in knowledge it is great, as his manager, to be able to go to Ben for contribution on how Sussexsport operates, performs and moves forward.”

The University has ample apprenticeship funding available which means there are no training costs to the apprentice or their department and no reduction in salary. As confirmed by Terry, they can be suitable for upskilling, developing alternative skills and knowledge, and providing opportunities for continuing professional development.

With appraisals fast approaching ping me an email if you would like to explore apprenticeships more for you or your team: chris.hamilton@sussex.ac.uk