Clare Dunn, Associate Director of Business Engagement, outlines why employers should help young people find their place in the sector
Talk to any group of young people about their plans for the future and you will hear a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Many are eager to start their careers, to work and learn, but they often find the first step the hardest. Without experience or access to the right opportunities, enthusiasm can quickly give way to frustration and self-doubt.
If you’re an employer in the sport and physical activity sector, this should not feel like someone else’s challenge. It is a shared responsibility and – importantly – an opportunity. The young people searching for their start today are the future coaches, instructors, programme leaders and facility managers who will keep our sector thriving into the future. By helping them to gain a foothold in the sector, employers are not only supporting individual lives but securing the long-term strength of the workforce.
The government’s recent skills and employment reforms have brought a renewed focus to this issue. The new Job Guarantee Scheme aims to ensure that every young person who wants to work has access to training, work experience or employment. Alongside that, further investment in apprenticeships is designed to make it easier for employers, particularly those running SMEs, to take on young people and to expand high-quality training routes into the workplace. Together, these reforms send a clear message that we cannot afford to lose another generation of potential.
In our sector, that message should resonate really deeply. This is a people-centred industry, built on connection, teamwork and social impact. We know that work in this sector can offer young people something meaningful, but it takes the involvement of employers to turn policy into reality.
Through our partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, CIMSPA has co-created the Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy to help employers do exactly that. The Academy links jobseekers to real opportunities with supportive organisations. Participants complete training that is tailored to the sector and aligned to professional standards, and on completion, they achieve professional status, giving them a recognised foundation for a sustainable career. This isn’t a short-term work placement – it is a structured route into the profession, backed by the same standards that underpin quality across the industry.
Employers who take part in the Academy often describe the difference it makes to their recruitment. Participants arrive with core employability and sector-specific skills, a clear sense of purpose and an eagerness to learn and do well. This preparation helps reduce onboarding time and improves retention as well as bringing new energy into teams. The enthusiasm of someone who is entering the sector for the first time can be infectious, reminding everyone why they do the work they do.
Beyond the immediate benefits, involvement in the Academy sends a powerful message to communities and partners. When employers create opportunities for young people, they help to tackle barriers to work and build confidence among those who have struggled to find their place. These are actions that strengthen community ties and support social value goals that are increasingly important in public sector contracts and funding partnerships.
The government’s proposed Job Guarantee Scheme is designed to make it easier for employers to participate. Jobcentre Plus and DWP advisers will work closely with organisations to match candidates with the right placements. In some cases, wage or training subsidies are available, making it easier for employers to create new roles. It is a practical way to contribute to the national effort to boost employment while developing your own workforce.
CIMSPA’s Careers Hub and Training Academy add further support for both employers and those looking to build a career in the sector. The Careers Hub provides a single place where individuals can explore job opportunities, learn about different roles in the sector and understand the training routes that can help them progress. The Training Academy gives access to accredited courses and qualifications developed to meet employer needs. Together, they create a joined-up system that helps young people prepare for work and employers find people who are ready to contribute.
Our sector has always been about more than facilities and programmes; it is about people and the positive change they create in others. The next generation of that workforce is already out there. Many of them simply need a chance to show what they can do and by offering that opportunity, employers help to shape a stronger, more capable sector and give young people a reason to believe in their own future.
Every career begins somewhere. For many young people, that first opportunity could come from you.
To get involved or find out more contact partners@cimspa.co.uk.