With schemes available for every talent, sports apprenticeships allow you to train in your chosen field and earn a salary, all while pursuing your passion
What apprenticeships are available?
On a sports apprenticeship, you can train as a:
- community activator
- leisure duty manager/duty manager
- sports coach
- golf course manager
- outdoor learning specialist
- personal trainer
- community activator coach
- physiotherapist
- sporting excellence professional
- sports turf/golf operative.
Apprenticeships are offered from Level 2 to Level 6, to suit your skills and qualifications.
- Level 2 - intermediate apprenticeships focus on developing core practical skills. Entry requirements are set by employers, but you'll usually need GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths or be willing to work towards them.
- Level 3 - entry requirements for advanced apprenticeships vary by employer, but GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths are typically expected.
- Level 4/5 - higher apprenticeships combine increased responsibility at work with higher-level study. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a university degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), while Level 5 is comparable to a foundation degree or an Higher National Diploma (HND). Employers usually look for relevant experience alongside formal qualifications.
- Level 6 - degree apprenticeships, such as physiotherapy, are equivalent to a full Bachelors degree.
Learn more about apprenticeships.
Where can I study a sports apprenticeship?
You can study sports apprenticeships at further education colleges, training providers and with employers across the UK. Availability can vary by location and level, so it's worth checking multiple providers and vacancies to see what's on offer where you live.
Here are some examples of where you can study a sports apprenticeship, but this isn't a comprehensive list.
- Bolton College - the community activator coach (Level 2) apprenticeship. You'll prepare to plan, deliver, and evaluate activity sessions that encourage people to get active and stay healthy.
- Exeter College - on the personal trainer (Level 3) apprenticeship, you'll learn to create exercise plans, share nutrition tips, and provide general lifestyle coaching.
- Weston College - on the community sport and health officer (Level 3) apprenticeship, you'll work to engage people in sport and physical activity, supporting behaviour change and designing inclusive community programmes.
- Competence Development Ltd - on a sporting excellence professional (Level 3) apprenticeship, you'll pursue a professional sports career while developing your academic skills.
- Haddon Training - the leisure duty manager (Level 3) apprenticeship teaches you skills for managing a leisure facility, including leading staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and health and safety.
- Cirencester College - an outdoor activity instructor (Level 3) apprenticeship teaches you the skills and knowledge to lead safe and fun outdoor sessions in various environments and weather conditions, all following proper safety procedures.
- Loughborough College - a sports coach (Level 4) apprenticeship develops your ability to create coaching programmes to develop participants' sports skills, leading to an improvement in their performance.
- University of Salford - the physiotherapy (Level 6) apprenticeship develops your expertise in rehabilitation and clinical practice to provide effective treatment to clients.
Sports apprenticeships are also available through local councils, such as Oldham Council who offer two schemes provided by FLM Training:
This helps you to gain valuable on-the-job training within a well-respected organisation.
You can research a full list of providers at Gov.uk - Sports apprenticeships.
What do sports apprenticeships involve?
Sports apprenticeships offer a valuable combination of on-the-job experience and a nationally recognised qualification. By integrating practical training with academic learning, these programmes provide a structured and rewarding path towards a fulfilling career in the world of sports.
Sports apprentices combine paid work with off-the-job training, which may include:
- college-based learning
- online study
- structured training delivered by a provider.
The balance depends on the apprenticeship and employer.
You will study a variety of modules for example, on the four-year physiotherapist programme at the University of Salford, you will study modules on:
- spinal assessment and management
- neurological assessment and management
- cardo respiratory assessment and management
- discovering and evaluating health and wellbeing interventions.
As for sports coaching apprenticeships, Sport Structures offer the Level 4 sports coach apprenticeship, allowing you to specialise as your experience develops
You can choose from pathways such as:
- community sport
- high performance coaching
- school sport.
During the apprenticeship, you'll receive support in developing your coaching philosophy, designing effective programmes, and fostering a positive learning environment.
The difficulty of your tasks and the level of responsibility you hold will increase as your apprenticeship progresses.
Who are they aimed at?
Level 2 apprenticeships focus on foundational skills and don't require formal qualifications like GCSEs. You'll need to be over 16 and not in full-time education to apply.
Programmes at Level 3 and upwards delve deeper into specific areas of sports and will require GCSEs in:
- English
- maths
- science.
You'll need to be 16 or over and you can't be enrolled in full-time education elsewhere.
For more advice on entry requirements, see what is an apprenticeship?
How much will I be paid as a sports apprentice?
In the first year of your apprenticeship, even if you're over 19, you'll be paid at least £8.00 per hour (as of April 2026). This applies to all your working hours, including training time.
Once you complete your first year and reach 19, you'll move on to the regular National Minimum Wage for your age group. You'll get a minimum of 20 days of paid holiday on top of your hourly wage.
Many employers pay above the minimum wage, so your earnings can grow as you gain experience. For instance, YMCA pay their personal trainer apprentices between £8.00 to £13.00 per hour, while the salary for an apprentice sports coach at USports is between £11,000 and £15,000 a year.
How do I apply?
When applying for a sports apprenticeship, it's crucial to understand the programme's specifics. Tailor your application to match the required skills and experience the employer seeks.
Online applications are common but always check with the organisation first. Some might require a CV and cover letter showcasing your passion for sports and relevant experiences, such as volunteering with sports teams or coaching.
Assessment centres or insight days may be part of the selection process. These help employers evaluate your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a sports context. Alternatively, some employers may use video interviews.
For guidance, explore our example apprenticeship cover letter or learn how to apply for an apprenticeship.