National awarding body for the Further Education sector, NCFE, has rewarded Chesterfield College’s hard work in securing apprenticeships through its Sport and Public Services Directorate by announcing it to be national college of the month this Easter.
The College has set up a Fitness Academy where learners are able to work as apprentices in its publicly available fitness suites. The apprentices are studying the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Instructing Physical Activity along with the Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning and also Key Skills.
The apprentices provide work based evidence and are assessed whilst at work. They have the opportunity to work alongside the fitness team, carrying out additional activities such as sales, to fully replicate the industry that they wish to work in. Following completion of this level, the students are able to progress to the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training as an apprentice or alternatively move into full time employment.
The apprenticeship offer at the college has attracted students of all ages, both 16-18 and 19+, a current student for example is in her 30s and has chosen to retrain in this area.
NCFE explain, “In these challenging economic times, it’s never been more important for learners to be equipped with the skills and expertise to prepare them for the labour market. Apprenticeships are high on the government agenda for getting people into employment and we’ve recently seen the popularity of work-based learning soar. Sport and Public Services Directorate at Chesterfield College recognises that an apprenticeship can be the route to a great career and with this in mind, has put in place a number of opportunities for their learners.”
[Source: Chesterfield College]
