Vocational Academy - Sports and Public Services
Opportunities in the North West
Despite the recession, the sports and leisure industry is a growth industry and in the North West the career opportunities are particularly good. Three local authorities mean there are plenty of openings within leisure services. There is also voluntary coaching and the increasingly popular area of health and wellness, which has seen the creation of health ‘villages’ like the £20m project at Moor Park. In public services, a rising number of learners are being drawn towards a career in the police force. As a result, we have adapted our courses to deliver the skills needed in this area.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 1
If you have completed a GCSE programme
- Sport and Recreation
- Sport and Leisure
- Uniformed Public Services
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above or a merit grade at First Certificate or Introductory Diploma
- Exercise and Fitness
- Uniformed Public Services
Level 3
If you have 5 passes at GCSE grade C or above (including English Language and/or Maths) or a merit grade at First Diploma (eg BTEC)
- Development, Coaching and Fitness
- Uniformed Public Services
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Coach | Work with people taking part in sport and exercise, helping them to develop their skills and reach their potential. | From £10,000 for newly-qualified, full-time coaches to £30,000 or more a year for senior coaches. | A UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) qualification. Studying for a degree will widen the opportunities open to you. |
| Sports Development Officer | Make sure that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to take part in sport, develop their skills, and lead a healthy lifestyle. | From around £16,700 to £40,000 a year. | Usually a sports-related degree. |
| Sports Physiotherapist | Diagnose and treat sports injuries, help individuals to get better and advise them on how to avoid similar injuries in the future. | From around £20,710 to £39,270 a year in the public sector. | A Physiotherapy degree. |
| Police Officer | Work to prevent, reduce and investigate crime. Their role is to uphold the law, maintain order and make communities safer. | From around £22,100 for student officers, rising to £60,000 or more a year for the highest-ranking officers. | A Uniformed Public Services qualification is an excellent grounding. You must also pass Police Assessment Centre tests. |
| Firefighter | Tackle a wide range of emergency situations. Also undertake fire prevention activity. | From around £21,000 a year for whole-time firefighters to £40,000 for station managers. | A Uniformed Public Services qualification is an excellent grounding. You must also pass psychological and physical tests plus a medical. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Tom Dicketts Age: 17 Course: National Diploma Public Services Level 3
Why College?
I started doing A Levels as I wanted to be a doctor but I’m not exam orientated. Then I came back to do Public Services as I fancied the armed forces but needed to improve my fitness.
What’s good?
The tutors are really helpful. It’s a social, friendly environment and the Loop is good too.
What’s best?
Taking part in the World Skills competition was a great experience. I also enjoy the day trips doing things like mountain biking and rock climbing.
What’s next?
I want to be an RAF fighter pilot when I finish my course.
