Sporting excellence professional
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Sporting Excellence Professional is a competitive player in a professional sport such as cricket, football, rugby league, rugby union or equestrianism. Apprentices combine intensive training and competition with learning about wellbeing, performance and career management. This level 3 qualification supports a professional playing career and prepares athletes for coaching or sport-related roles afterwards.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Technical and tactical skills for performing in your sport
Performance optimisation including nutrition, recovery and training load
Mental skills such as focus, resilience and goal-setting
Injury prevention and the role of sports science support
Anti-doping rules and the responsibilities of a professional athlete
Managing wellbeing, lifestyle and finances in a sporting career
Planning for life and careers after professional sport
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Follow structured training programmes to develop playing performance
Compete consistently and effectively in matches and events
Work with coaches to review and improve technique and tactics
Attend wellbeing, lifestyle and performance support sessions
Monitor and record your own performance data with support staff
Represent your club or organisation professionally at events
Take part in mentoring and career-planning activities
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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