Ben’s Story: How an Apprenticeship Kickstarted His Dream Career in Sport
For Ben, becoming a sports coach was more than just a career choice, it was an opportunity to combine his passion for physical education with a desire to make a real difference in young people’s lives. Here’s Ben’s story and how an apprenticeship with Active Fusion helped to kickstart his dream career in sport and physical education.
Ben’s First Step Towards a Dream Career
His journey began one day while browsing the gov.uk website, where he came across an apprenticeship opportunity with Active Fusion. Intrigued, Ben decided to attend an Active Fusion open day at Auckley Primary School. The experience left him inspired and excited about the possibilities ahead. Just a week later, he walked into his interview feeling confident that this was the right path for him.
A Day In The Life of an Apprentice
Now a Level 4 Apprentice at Auckley Primary School, Ben’s days are busy, but they are exactly the kind of challenge he enjoys. Each morning begins at 8:30AM, with time dedicated to planning the PE lessons he will deliver later that day. Afterward, he heads to the Year 5 classroom, where he works closely with an Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) pupil, ensuring they are supported, happy, and engaged. His presence provides reassurance and encouragement, and he also lends a hand to other pupils in the class who need extra assistance.
During maths lessons, Ben works with small groups of pupils, guiding them through challenging topics and ensuring they stay on track. Lunchtimes are often spent preparing the equipment for the day’s PE lessons, but Ben always makes time to join in a quick game of football with Year 5 and 6, a moment of fun and connection that he and the pupils look forward to.
In the afternoons, Ben transitions to delivering PE lessons, a role in which his confidence has grown immensely. His school day doesn’t end there, however; he finishes by leading an after-school multi-sports club, engaging with different year groups each day and providing a safe, energetic space for pupils to enjoy sports.
The Importance of Positive Role Models
Behind Ben’s success is his mentor, a key figure who has been his greatest source of support throughout the apprenticeship. From the very start, they helped him settle into the school environment, answered his questions, and ensured he fully understood his roles and responsibilities. Their guidance has made Ben feel valued and capable, enabling him to thrive in his role.
Over time, Ben has seen remarkable growth in himself, not just as a coach but as an individual. He has developed his leadership skills, learned how to engage with pupils of all ages and abilities, and gained a strong foundation of coaching techniques. Coaching events at the English Institute of Sport have been especially transformative, giving Ben the chance to apply his skills in new and exciting environments. His college studies have complemented this hands-on experience, equipping him with both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to excel as a sports coach.
A Journey Towards a Bright Future
Delivering sports sessions now feels like second nature to Ben, and he feels ready to take the next step in his career. The apprenticeship has prepared him not only to secure a full-time position, either at Auckley Primary or elsewhere, but also to approach job interviews with confidence. Thanks to his extensive experience working with different classes and age groups, Ben feels well-prepared for any challenges that lie ahead.
Looking to the future, Ben is hopeful that he will secure a permanent role at Auckley Primary, but he remains open to exploring other opportunities within sports coaching. Whether he finds himself working in a school or with a community organisation, Ben is confident that the skills and experience he has gained through Active Fusion have laid a strong foundation for success.
A Moment of Reflection
Reflecting on his apprenticeship, Ben believes programmes like this are vital for young people. “It’s a chance to step into the workplace, earn while you learn, and grow both personally and professionally,” he explains. For him, the apprenticeship has provided a rare opportunity to break into the sports coaching field, gain valuable experience, and develop skills that set him apart in the job market.
If Ben could offer advice to anyone considering joining Active Fusion, he would say, “Just do it. The support you’ll receive is incredible, and the experience you’ll gain will prepare you for the future like nothing else.” For Ben, the apprenticeship has been a life-changing opportunity.
Read more stories like Ben’s here or discover more about Fusion Apprenticeships here.