QPR’s Apprenticeship Scheme was the perfect opportunity for Anna to pursue a career in Community Coaching
QPR’s Community Trust provided Anna Hampshire with the opportunity to pursue a career, she never thought was possible. Having graduated University in the Summer with a degree in Human Biology and a Masters in Sports Science, Anna sought out the Trust’s and secured an apprenticeship after realising that community coaching was a possible career path and she has not looked back since. Anna has taken up a vital role in the Trust’s education team where she was named Premier League Primary Stars Officer six months into her apprenticeship.
She explains: “I was fortunate to begin my apprenticeship here with QPR in the Community Trust and then six months into that I was offered a full-time role as a Premier League Primary Stars Officer and have loved every minute of it.
“I had never really coached primary school-aged children before; I had always worked in secondary schools so it’s new and different, but I enjoy it so much.
“I have always been into sport, and I have always enjoyed helping people. At University I coordinated the volunteering in my halls, but I never realised this was an actual career path that I could go down, but as soon as I found the Trust, I realised that was for me.
“Day to day I am based at local primary school, Ark Burlington Danes Academy Primary where I undertake all their PE lessons as well as their after-school club, on Friday’s I come into the office to do my admin work so inputting data and planning my sessions.
“But it’s great being here, walking round the local area in your QPR kit and people recognising you and seeing the other coaches is a nice feeling.”
She added: “It’s the apprenticeship scheme has been fantastic for me, whether you are coming straight from A Levels or from University, or you simply just aren’t sure on what to do then it is a good starting point, for me it was a good foot in the door to then move onto my now full-time role.
“I have been supported by great people who I could always go to if there were any problems or any questions about the local schools, they have such a great deal of knowledge of the local area and that has really helped me get to where I am now.”
Mentor Gavin Forbes who has managed the apprenticeship scheme was quick to highlight just how successful the process has been since its creation in 2017.
He explained: “With the assistance of the training provider, Mitre Group, we have been able to support a number of apprentices on their career journeys.
“80% of our apprentice’s work still within sport with 50% of those are working with QPR in full time & part time roles within the Trust or Academy.
” I have seen the benefits of the programme to the apprentices and have seen them grow in confidence in delivering projects & supporting people within the community and Anna is no different.”
Gavin added: “Anna has been a brilliant addition to the Trust and has been able to develop a great rapport with the children and staff at Ark Burlington Danes Primary Academy.
“She has shown great initiative and always approached helping others with enthusiasm and commitment which has been evident within her delivery.
“I am proud of Anna’s progress and proud to have her as part of the R’s family.”
Anna is proof that an apprenticeship can be the perfect way to kickstart a career path you love whilst providing to the local community.
