ukactive has partnered with the Pearson Business School to deliver a chartered manager degree apprenticeship for those working in the physical activity sector.

The degree is a bi-annual programme specifically designed for organisations in the sector to develop promising mid-level employees.

The three-year course aims to provide individuals with the insight, knowledge and practical skills to become effective managers.

The course will be run by Pearson Business School, which has developed similar degree programmes for organisations such as L’Oréal, TfL, Unilever, IBM and the NHS.

Operating primarily from campuses in London and Manchester, the degree programme could be rolled out across the country at a later date, if there is sufficient demand.

According to Steven Ward, ukactive CEO, the new degree programme forms part of a "multi-faceted drive to help upskill employees in the physical activity sector".

"The apprenticeship offers a fantastic platform for growth and development for ambitious individuals in the physical activity sector," Ward said.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for sector operators to get the very most out of the Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring the funds are reinvested in developing and upskilling their workforce.”

Pearson College London Principal Roxanne Stockwell added: “More and more employers are telling us that their graduates are lacking the skills needed to succeed in the world of work.

“We’re addressing this challenge by working with employers to deliver degree apprenticeships that combine traditional academia with real on-the-job experience.”

• The National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2019) is taking place this week (from 4 to 8 March 2019).

The Leisure Opportunities Special Apprenticeship Issue will be published on 5 March, featuring extra content and information on apprenticeships.

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