NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK: Meet Hannah Disbury, the sports-mad apprentice who is inspiring the next generation via Ignite Sport UK's apprenticeships

“Apprenticeships provide young people with an amazing opportunity to develop skills for life in a professional environment while gaining a valuable qualification and getting paid for it – I wish I did mine sooner!”

That’s the message from Hannah Disbury who enrolled with Ignite Sport UK’s full-time apprenticeship programme last summer to pursue her ambition of becoming a qualified teacher.

The 21-year-old who now lives in Oxford but was brought up in Swindon has always had a burning passion for sport through family influence and was often seen on the netball court or running track during her childhood.

Hannah is now translating that passion to the next generation through her placement at Freeland Primary School near Witney, Oxfordshire, where she works as a teaching assistant and physical education teacher while studying for a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Hannah has revealed more about her hands-on apprenticeship with Ignite Sport UK that combines on-the-job learning with face-to-face training.

“I definitely want to be a teacher when I am older,” said Hannah. “At the moment I am still torn between going down the teaching assistant route or becoming a physical education teacher.

“But by completing an apprenticeship with Ignite Sport UK, I am experiencing both roles while getting hands-on experience in the sector I want to work in. For me, apprenticeships have allowed me to become a valued member of the Freeland Primary School team and my colleagues and the team at Ignite Sport UK are always there for me if I need any support of have a question.

“I’m also in contact with the Ignite Sport UK team twice a week to update them on my progress and establish a pathway that will help me secure a job once my apprenticeship concludes.”

After finishing school, Hannah attended college before working as a nursery assistant. But it was when browsing the internet that the former Highworth Warneford School pupil unlocked her combined passion for sport and teaching via Ignite Sport UK’s sport-based apprenticeships.

“I knew Ignite Sport UK could provide me with an experience where I will not only be getting a qualification but also be paid and not be stuck in a classroom learning out of textbooks,” said Hannah.

“I’m 21 so I wouldn’t consider myself to be a young apprentice, but I have no regrets and would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it.

“Leaving year 11 and going straight into work via an apprenticeship might sound daunting, but I can say with full confidence that apprenticeships help you build confidence while training in a role that you want to be in when you’re older.”

Based at Oxford City FC, Ignite Sport UK is a registered training provider for sport and education qualifications, working in further education, apprenticeships, and adult education.

On February 24th from 7pm, Ignite Sport UK will host a virtual open event via Zoom to provide year 11 leavers upwards and their parents or carers the opportunity to learn more about the company’s apprenticeships and the career pathways they provide.

Hannah Bladen, General Manager of Ignite Sport UK, said: “Hannah’s story mirrors dozens of other young people’s experiences of apprenticeships that we work with each year.

“If an apprenticeship in sports coaching and teaching assistant roles interests you, I would strongly encourage you to join our virtual open event via Zoom later this month where you can meet our friendly team and learn more about Ignite Sport UK’s sports-based apprenticeships.”

For further information and to sign-up to Ignite Sport UK’s next virtual open event, visit: www.ignitesportuk.com.  

TOMORROW: We speak to Ignite Sport UK General Manager Hannah Bladen about the value of apprenticeships and how they have evolved.