The first national strategic skills audit, commissioned by the government, was released in March and focused on economic recovery and growth only being fully realised if there is continued investment in skills.
Since the recession began in 2008, employment in key occupations within sport and fitness has grown despite the economic slowdown. In fact, significantly, the sector has continued to see consumer spending in physical activity and health hold firm, perhaps due to a greater public acceptance of the importance of health and well-being. Therefore, it is more imperative than ever to ensure that the professionals offering such services are fully competent and qualified.
Stephen Studd, Chief Executive of SkillsActive explained that specifically, since the recession began, there has been a major increase in sport coaches, instructors and officials working in the sector. In fact, there has been a 41.1 per cent increase – that’s 21,000 new jobs; more than any other occupation. The growth just doesn’t start and stop with sport coaches, instructors and officials - through the DWP Future Jobs Fund initiative, a further 2,500 jobs have been created at a community level working with key employers including TAG, Street Games, the Amateur Swimming Association, and the DKH Legacy Trust. Stephen said: “This initiative is being delivered through our National Skills Academy, and I am delighted by our successful bid in phase two of the initiative, which will create an additional 2,500 jobs.
SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, are working closely with sector employers on a number of initiatives including 5,000 new apprentice places for this year, distributing the £1.9m of funding that was brokered for wage subsidy for 1,400 apprentices through the Apprenticeship Expansion Programme; and launching the new Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure which will see 16,000 students starting in September.
To find out more about these dynamic skills and employability programmes please visit SkillsActive at http://www.skillsactive.com/