Turbo-charge your career in tennis coaching by attending a year-long Level 4 apprenticeship facilitated by Solent University in Southampton.

The Hampshire & IOW Tennis (HIOWT) Coaching Apprenticeship provides aspiring tennis coaches with the opportunity to spend a year in a learning environment, whilst gaining industry qualifications and experience at the same time. This is a great opportunity to learn whilst earning an income, to gain a Level 4 apprenticeship, and to take your first steps into a career in tennis coaching.

Solent University is rated as triple-gold in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is the only university on the south coast to achieve this standard.

• One day per week of learning at Solent University (Wednesdays), for 47 weeks of the year
• A debt-free future with zero tuition fees to pay
• Full funding from HIOWT for completing the first formal Governing Body Qualifications: LTA Assistant (Level 1) and LTA Instructor (Level 2), which equates to around £750
• Mentoring and support from HIOWT
• Access to Solent University sports facilities
• Official continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities provided by the LTA
• On completion, a Certificate of Higher Education in Sports Coaching, as well as a nationally-recognised Level 4 apprenticeship qualification
• On completion, funding of up to 100% may be provided by HIOWT for the LTA Tennis Coach (Level 3) qualification. This will be for successful apprentices looking to graduate into a career in tennis coaching

Who can apply?

Applications are encouraged from all aspiring coaches who meet the following criteria:

• 17 years of age or older on the first day of the programme (post completion of A- / T-Levels)
• Employed at one or more facilities / programmes based in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight
• Achieved grade 4 or higher at GCSE Maths and English
• UK Passport holder, or right to reside in the UK

Benefits for trainees

• A credible scheme, with backing from both Solent University and the LTA
• Earn while you learn, without having to pay tuition fees
• Fully-funded Level 1 & 2 qualifications (value ca. £750)
• Additional continual professional development opportunities via the LTA’s online learning platform
• Access career development opportunities locally, including competition and event organisation
• Support, guidance and mentoring from a dedicated and experienced mentor
• On successful completion of this apprenticeship the Sports Coach will be eligible to become a Coach Practitioner Member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
• The opportunity to convert the L4 apprenticeship into degree credits, allowing the student to transfer onto Year 2 of a suitable degree course (e.g. Football Studies, Sports Coaching & Physical Education, and Sport Management)

A sample learning week

Benefits for Employers

• Address your workforce shortage
• Invest in your people to create a strong foundation for your coaching programme
• Utilise an apprentice to help grow your programme, developing innovative new opportunities
• Create more headroom for yourself to focus on off-court priorities, such as strategy, finance and marketing
• Unlock HIOWT funding for your coaches towards their qualifications
• Mentoring support for Head Coaches from HIOWT
• Be part of a county-wide scheme, supported by HIOWT and the LTA, which will have credibility in the eyes of learners and their families
• Receive support from a dedicated programme supervisor

Hampshire & IOW Tennis is happy to support potential host organisations with statutory elements, such as registering with HMRC, understanding minimum wage regulations, and preparing to provide paid holiday. Financial modelling can also be provided.

Application deadlines

There are three annual intakes, in January, May and September, meaning that applications are welcomed all-year round.

To apply, please contact us with details about your education, tennis background and career aspirations info@hampshireiow.tennis.On successful completion of this apprenticeship the Sports Coach will be eligible to become a Coach Practitioner Member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).