The sector-specific career initiative is now being rolled out nationwide.
The Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy is a partnership between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), and will now be made available across the UK following several successful pilot programmes.
Recent figures show that the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) have risen above one million, and projected to rise to 1.25 million in the next 5 years. Appetite for employment however remains high, with 84% of surveyed NEET young people stating that they want to be working or in education but are currently unable to.
The Employability Academy connects jobseekers with real employment opportunities by aligning training, work experience, and employer demand. It provides a flexible, locally adaptable model that brings together education providers and industry employers to address workforce needs, provide young people with employment and training opportunities, and support economic growth.
The pilots demonstrated the impact of a sector focused approach, helping individuals to build confidence, develop relevant skills, and secure sustainable roles within the sport and physical activity sector. With the first pilot taking place in Scotland, it saw 70% of participants becoming qualified and advancing into either a gym instructor or personal trainer role. Building on this success, the national rollout will expand access to the programme, enabling more people and employers to benefit across the country.
A flexible, partnership-driven approach
Rather than a single programme, the Employability Academy operates as a framework that can be tailored to local labour market needs and will be roll-out will be driven by local employer demand. It integrates:
- Pre-employment engagement and sector insight
- Sector-specific training aligned to professional standards
- Work experience, job placements, and direct routes into employment
As access to employment is often influenced by wider barriers, the Employability Academy can incorporate wrap-around support tailored to individual needs. This may include health and wellbeing support such as occupational therapy, mentoring, career guidance, or even practical assistance such as travel, childcare and digital support.
The Employability Academy supports employers by reducing recruitment risk and ensuring candidates are prepared for the realities of the workplace. At the same time, it contributes to wider social and economic outcomes by tackling unemployment, supporting economic inactivity, and strengthening local workforce pipelines.
Unlocking multiple funding routes
The Employability Academy is designed to maximise impact as well as ensuring sustainability by drawing on a range of funding sources, including:
- DWP provision at both national and local levels, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)
- Devolved adult education and skills funding through combined authorities
- Further education college provision and adult learning funding
- Local authority investment, including economic development and public health funding
Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Employment said:
“Our mission is to Get Britain Working – and this initiative is exactly what that looks like in action, helping people turn potential into real jobs. By bringing together employers, training and support, we’re creating clear pathways into meaningful work.
“From strong results in Scotland to new programmes in Merseyside, our partnership with CIMSPA is opening doors to rewarding careers, boosting local economies and helping to build the workforce the sport and physical activity sector needs for the future.”
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said:
“With the UK unemployment rate rising to 5% and NEET figures for young people hitting one million, for many, finding long term economic security is a top priority. This national launch marks a significant step forward in how we can support more people into meaningful careers within the sport and physical activity sector. Through our partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, we have demonstrated through successful pilots that when employers, education providers and employment support services are aligned, we can create clear, accessible pathways into work.
“The Employability Academy provides a scalable, flexible model that responds to local need while maintaining a consistent focus on quality and professional standards. By bringing together training, wrap-around support and real job opportunities, we are not only helping individuals to enter the workforce, but also supporting employers to build a skilled, diverse and sustainable workforce for the future.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, Sport Minister said:
“Sport has profound benefits for young people’ mental health, building confidence and helping them be part of a community, which is why we’re investing so every person has the facilities they deserve on their doorstep.
“It is also a thriving £39 billion industry with rewarding and diverse careers that are very appealing to young people. Through this new programme we’re matching that ambition with the opportunities they deserve.
“This partnership will help break down the barriers so that young people who want to pursue a career in sport have the opportunity to do so and maximise their potential.”
Employers operating in the sport and physical activity sector can get involved by speaking to their local CIMSPA workforce development manager.
If you are a jobseeker and would be interested in a career in the sport and physical activity sector, you can find out more about the Employability Academy through your local Jobcentre Plus.