Presently studying for an HND in Sports Coaching and Management at the University of Worcester, 19 year old ex-West Bromwich Albion Apprentice, Leigh Downing, is ensuring he has all the right ingredients for a successful career in the sporting industry.
During his two year Apprenticeship with the Baggies Leigh worked alongside the rest of the Apprentices to complete his Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (ASE).
Combining his studies at Sutton Coldfield College with full-time training, Leigh gained an NVQ in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance, a level two Coaching Certificate and a BTEC National Certificate in Sports.
Now a full-time student at Worcester University, Leigh is a great example of how ASE can help you find other options should your Apprenticeship end without a contract. He says:
The ASE programme helped me a great deal and I can’t stress enough how important it is for Apprentices to take it seriously.”
When I was playing we had a lot of support from our tutors which was a huge motivation to work hard and I’m fully aware of the doors that have opened for me. It’s given me a chance to continue my career in sport now I know that playing isn’t a full-time option for me.”
It feels great to know that via my Apprenticeship I’m now able to study for my HND in Sports Coaching and Management. This has given me a whole new range of career prospects and I’m already thinking of becoming a full-time PE teacher.”
