Taking The Lead Volume 1 | Page 14

Sports Development Apprenticeship Robert Blair from Tynemouth is employed at John Spence High School Robert loves sport. He goes to the gym and plays rugby for Percy Park RFC. After doing a sports course in sixth form, Robert found the apprenticeship advertised wi John with Spence High School. He was really pleased to get through the recruitment process and be offered the job. Robert commented, “I had always thought of apprenticeships in construction trades and never thought about an opportunity in sport. With the apprenticeship I am working doing something I really enjoy whilst getting a qualification at the same time. The staff at the school . are great and I am meeting people doing similar roles through my college course”. Robert has a timetable of classes that he supports; these include circuit training, trampoline lessons and gymnastics. He also deals with requests from teachers for lesson set up, photocopying for the theory lessons and ensuring there is a safe and tidy environment for all sports activi activities. Robert also gets involved with activities out of hours. He supports the ‘Tuesday Club’ for those with disabilities as well as the year 9 football time. well Adam Pilkington, from John Spence School said, “The department is utilising the apprentices skills and ambitions in order to maximize PE The apprentices’ ns and school sport at John Spence. Robbie has brought a new dimension to the team and has chool taken on various roles and responsibilities. His knowledge and understanding of both teaching and sport is expanding and preparing him for a future career within this field." preparing Apprenticeship Bursary provided by North Tyneside Learning Trust and administered by North Tyneside Council d rth