This week, we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship week (8th – 14th February) using this year’s theme… Build the Future. We’ll be focusing on individuals at the Trust who have used their apprenticeships to help build their skills and knowledge to require rewarding jobs and career pathways.

Firstly, we will be looking at Will Mellor, who transitioned from our traineeship programme, to apprenticeship, to degree student and highly valued staff member:

Will first joined Derby County Community Trust on our traineeship back in February 2018 whilst looking into his first steps following school. Whilst on the traineeship he completed an extensive work placement within our Schools and Coaching department, started working towards his Functional Skills qualifications and also undertook a First Aid qualification.

The experience that the traineeship provided allowed him to discover that he had a real passion for coaching, and that it could form the basis of his future career. On completing the traineeship, he applied for a Community Coach apprenticeship at the Trust which he went on to succeed in.

In recognition of his progress within his first year with us, he was awarded as our Education Champion at our Annual Awards in 2018. Will then continued to progress through his apprenticeship with Mitre, gaining his academic qualifications along with gaining ‘on the ground’ experience. He completed his FA Level 1 qualification and is well on the way to completing his FA Level 2 too.

He was one of the first learners nationally to complete the new Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprenticeship before being completing the Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sports (Level 3) apprenticeship framework. As his apprenticeship came to an end in 2020, he began to think about his future as a coach and decided to apply for our Community Coaching and Development Degree in partnership with the University of South Wales.

This course provides further experience, technical knowledge and enhances students’ abilities within coaching. He started in the 2020/21 cohort last September, and is a vocal, vibrant member of the group, who always has something to contribute.

Will is just one of many apprentices who have gone on to continue their educational journeys within Derby County Community Trust. We currently have two part-time coaches who are in the third year of their degree and two previous apprentices who have completed the degree and moved on to full-time jobs in other industries.

The pathway that traineeship to apprenticeship, to degree, can provide, forms a solid base from which our learners go on to succeed, in the sports industry and beyond.

Next, we’re hearing from another one of our Apprentices, 18 year old Fred Inasi:

“I wanted to do an apprenticeship with DCCT as I’ve always wanted to coach. I was involved with my local club whilst studying for my GCSE’s and really enjoyed coaching. I saw the apprentice scheme and saw it was a great opportunity to get involved with as I didn’t really want to continue studies at sixth form or college and I really wanted to better myself as a coach. I applied for the Mitre apprenticeship but unfortunately wasn’t selected. However, as I continued speaking to Richard (Schools and Coaching Manager) I was offered a new apprenticeship with my current provider Coach Core.

My biggest achievement so far as an apprentice is probably being involved with Talent Identification Programme (TIPs) as one day I’d like to coach at elite level so it gives me a good insight into what’s to come in the future. I also feel a great pride in helping participants stay motivated and keep engaged in sports every day.

Other standout moments I’ve had as an apprentice are some great opportunities with my college provider. One was a national radio interview about my apprenticeship with DCCT, and looking into the future. Another was the chance to have a virtual interview with England Lioness captain Steph Houghton, as it was a great opportunity to find about about the elite game, as well as the rise of Women’s participation in the sport.”

For more information on apprenticeships at Derby County Community Trust, please email jodie.hayes@dcct.co.uk.