What Really Happens During a Sportily Apprenticeship?

 It’s National Apprenticeship Week, which feels like perfect timing because Ron has just completed his apprenticeship and is officially stepping into his role as a full-time coach.

We asked him to reflect on the experience, the highs, the challenges, and what finishing it actually feels like.

The Best Bits 

One of Ron’s favourite parts of the apprenticeship was going through it alongside other apprentices. There’s something reassuring about knowing you are not the only one juggling coursework, assessments and real-life coaching sessions.

“Going through it with the other apprentices was amazing. We cheered each other on, celebrated the wins, and it made the whole journey way more fun.”

Another big highlight was being able to learn something and then immediately use it. It's one thing to understand coaching in theory. It's another to apply it in real time, with real people, in real sessions.

Being able to put new knowledge into practice straight away helped build confidence properly. Not just understanding coaching on paper, but living it day in, day out.

The Not-So-Glamorous Bit

Of course, no qualification comes without a bit of juggling.

For Ron, one of the biggest challenges was planning and organising assessment days alongside completing his project work. Coaching during the day, staying on top of deadlines, and preparing for assessments. It takes focus and good time management.

It was busy. It was sometimes full on. But it was worth it.

So… What Now?

Finishing the apprenticeship is a big moment. Not just because there's a qualification at the end of it, but because it marks real progress.

Ron is excited to move forward as a full-time coach and keep building on everything he has learned. And we are proud to see him step confidently into that role.

“I’m buzzing to start as a full-time coach. It’s great to be able to take everything I’ve learned and put it into action every day!”

National Apprenticeship Week is all about celebrating growth, opportunity and the impact apprenticeships can have. Ron’s journey is proof that when you combine learning, practical experience and a bit of determination, you come out stronger on the other side.

Click here to keep an eye out and be the first to know when we're looking for our next cohort of amazing apprentices! What's stopping you?