The apprentice journey gives a brief outline of the components that make up the apprenticeship programme and the process that is undertaken to ensure apprentices’ individual needs are identified and met over the course of the two-year programme.
League Football Education welcomes you to the two-year apprenticeship programme.
LFE Academy Education Managers provide ongoing support to apprentices. They conduct one-to-one progress reviews at regular intervals throughout the apprenticeship programme and offer advice and guidance on a range of areas.
The PFA also supports apprentices with contractual assistance, accident insurance, player management and representation and post-18 education grants, as well as providing an online Safety Net.
An initial assessment is carried out with every player that starts the apprenticeship programme to establish academic ability. This is undertaken with parents/carers, club staff, education provider staff and LFE Academy Education Managers.
Apprentices will be expected to provide their GCSE results to their LFE Academy Education Manager. All apprentices will undertake an online maths assessment and an English free writing task as part of the initial assessment process.
An induction will take place at the start of the apprenticeship programme. LFE provides each club with standard induction units that include the following topics:
- Integrity
- Rights and responsibilities
- Well-being
Apprentices will follow their club’s specific coaching programme and philosophy over the next two years.
Training is likely to include work on technical and tactical skills, physical conditioning and psychology. Apprentices will be evaluated on technical ability, teamwork, character and physical condition.
The education programme has been specifically designed for elite athletes and is geared towards nationally recognised qualifications. The educational programme will consist of the following elements:
- BTEC Sporting Excellence and Performance (Level 3)
- Certificate in Coaching (UEFA C)
- Functional Skills in English and maths (Level 2)
If an apprentice wishes to undertake A-Level qualifications, they will need to complete an application form, and their LFE Academy Education Manager and club Head of Education will need to complete an approval form. LFE sets a minimum entry criteria.
Personal Development
LFE provides information, advice and guidance for personal development. Through face-to-face delivery and resources, apprentices receive opportunities to support their performance, well-being and transition.
LFE’s mentoring programme includes workshops that explore the concept of personal development, identity and self-awareness, as well as characteristics and skills development.
Life Skills
Life skills enable people to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
Examples of the life skills-based education provided through face-to-face delivery, online modules and resources include:
- Consent
- Mental health & well-being
- Inclusion
- Finance
- Cardiac health
- Knife crime
- Nutrition
- Social media
- Road safety
- Lifestyle education
Apprentice reviews are conducted with LFE Academy Education Managers and are recorded on an e-learning platform. This process is to ensure that all apprentices can fulfil their true potential.
Reviews take place at regular intervals throughout the apprenticeship. It is essential that apprentices are available for reviews.
LFE celebrates the academic, football and wider achievements of apprentices throughout the two-year programme. Nominations for ‘The 11’ and ‘LFE Apprentice of the Year’ are largely based on information gathered from the review process.
Towards the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices will be required to complete an end point assessment.
This consists of three distinct assessment methods:
- A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions and scenario-based questions.
- A practical observation with questions and answers.
- A professional interview, supported by a portfolio of evidence.
In the second half of year two of the apprenticeship, clubs decide which apprentices they wish to offer a further contract to.
Whatever the decision, it is crucial that apprentices continue with both their football and education to give them the best possible chance to succeed after their apprenticeship.
LFE defines ‘Transition’ as the ability to deal with and move through life challenges, including career pathways in and out of football.
LFE will support your journey by providing:
- Transition Officer – a dedicated, qualified person providing information, advice and guidance
- Transition Tracking & Monitoring Programme
- Real life career opportunities in a variety of industry sectors
- Xello – online career guidance tool
- Assessment Trials
- Information and support for Higher Education
- Information and support for USA Scholarships