A new report commissioned by Coach Core Foundation claims the current apprenticeship system can do better to support marginalised young people and the small employers who are vital to the sport and physical activity sector.
Conducted by Leeds Beckett University’s Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society and funded by Sport England, the research identifies low pay, transport costs and lack of pastoral support as key barriers preventing young people from accessing and completing apprenticeships.
PRESSURE
Despite their potential as a powerful tool for social mobility, the report outlines how apprenticeships may be becoming inaccessible to those who need them most. The current apprentice minimum wage (£7.55/hour) is significantly below the Living Wage, with rising transport costs further compounding the issue, especially in rural and outer urban areas.
The report also highlights the pressure on small employers, many of whom are already going above and beyond to support young people. Challenges include limited capacity to offer wrap-around support, difficulty attracting diverse applicants and low confidence in supporting those with additional needs.
“Our research confirms what we’ve heard for years: the system is not working equally for everyone,” said Laura Larsson, Research & Impact Manager at Coach Core Foundation. “In particular, small and micro employers are doing heroic work with limited resources but need more systemic support to ensure that their apprenticeship programmes thrive.
ACCESSIBILITY
“At the moment Coach Core is providing that additional support, but we’d like to see policy and infrastructure changes come in to ease that burden.”
In response to these findings, Coach Core Foundation is urging policy-makers and stakeholders to prioritise reforms that enhance accessibility and support for apprenticeships, particularly entry-level ones that can be a critical first step for young people.
Coach Core Foundation is advocating for:
- Higher wages for apprentices, particularly in high-cost areas
- Funded travel support
- Inclusive recruitment strategies
- Better training for mentors and line managers
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