Plymouth Apprentice Turns Passion for Sport into Dream Job

A YOUNG woman has turned her passion for sport into a dream career in inspiring young schoolchildren to realise their potential in physical education.

Skills Group apprentice Hayley Jarvis has been appointed School Games Organiser and Coach at Plymouth School Sports Partnership (PSSP).

Her appointment follows the successful completion of an intermediate Sport and Leisure Apprenticeship, specialising in Physical Education, with Plymouth based Skills Group. This was followed with an NVQ Level 3 diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport, designed by the Association for Physical Education.

Armed with her expertise and taking up her new role, she hopes to bolster the experiences of youngsters across the city through the medium of sport.

Hayley’s passion for sport began as a pupil of Notre Dame Roman Catholic School where she was heavily involved in the Young Ambassador programme working closely with the PSSP.

Keen to improve her knowledge and ability in sport, she was awarded an apprenticeship with the PSSP through Skills Group. It was during this role that she developed as a leader and had the opportunity to support, deliver and organise a wide range of school games events, such as Quadkids, Athletics and High Five Netball, to name but a few.

Taking up her new role, Hayley, aged 19, of Derriford, Plymouth, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for me to not only develop further, but to advance as a leader, coach and positively move forward within the Partnership.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to progressing as an individual who can inspire and use my passion for sport, alongside that of leading events, to help all pupils realise their potential. I hope that I can help continue to build pupil interest in sport through their introduction to new and innovative sporting events and coaching, so that every individual can develop and achieve.

Anna Clooke, Partnership Leader for PSSP, said: “Hayley has been a real success story for the Plymouth School Sports Partnership. She was an exceptional leader and volunteer and it was these qualities that made her an excellent candidate to be the PSSP Apprentice.

“During her time with us as an apprentice, Hayley has made the most of every opportunity that she has been offered and has qualified as a Bikeability Instructor, Bell Boat Helm and Indoor Rowing Coach, as well as gaining experience in a variety of other roles.

“She is an excellent role model for all of the young people she works with and has an inspirational delivery style. Hayley has a fantastic work ethic, she leads by example and is always keen to take on new challenges.”

Dave Shurmer, Sport & Leisure Trainer and Assessor with Skills Group, supported and observed Hayley throughout her training.

He said: “The observations Hayley has conducted have been simply outstanding and have been testament to her ability to engage, inspire and enthuse young people in our city.

“Hayley has a natural affinity towards creating positive and engaging learning environments and is a great ambassador for the PSSP.

“Hayley’s progress and development into the role of School Games Organiser and Coach is a really exciting opportunity, which will afford her the chance to make a real impact on the experiences of young people through the medium of sport.”

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School