Performance Academy Internships in Strength and Conditioning, Leisure Operations and Coaching

The Performance Academy Internships are available in three disciplines: Coaching, Leisure Operations, and Strength and Conditioning.

An internship is an extended work placement designed to provide students with vocational experience and to develop their technical skills. Each internship is planned to last for 12 weeks but these can be extended to cover the full academic year.

Whilst the internship itself offers no formal substantial qualification, smaller professional development qualifications will be delivered to upskill students in areas such as digital skills, nutrition and safeguarding.

The entry requirements for the Coaching Internship are: 

• Good levels of communication
• Self confidence to lead and instruct sessions
• Strong motivational skills
• Time management and organisation skills
• An existing background or some experience in coaching
• Aspirations to coach as a career

The entry requirements for the Leisure Operations Internship are:

• Excellent organisational skills
• Knowledge of the rules and equipment requirements for a range of sports
• Health and safety awareness
• Strong people skills
• Good IT skills and social media knowledge
• Aspirations to work in leisure management

The entry requirements for the Strength and Conditioning Internship are:

• A background in gym instruction or personal training
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• Health and safety knowledge
• Excellent motivational skills
• Good communication skills, including through social media
• Aspirations to work in the fitness industry

GCSE profiles will be reviewed on application.

Each internship will focus on the primary roles involved in that career path. Interns will work alongside and support coaches, facility staff and personal trainers to gain experience and understand the role.

Day-to-day activities will revolve around each of the specialisms and can involve: setting up and taking down sports equipment, designing information and engaging clients through social media, delivering sessions, arranging fixtures or events, ensuring health and safety is followed, and organising stores and kit.

Further additional training and qualifications will be included. These will include English and Maths GCSE re-sits if required.

This course will be delivered on-site but placements with the Erewash School Sport Partnership will be off-site at schools around the area.

There are no additional costs.

An intern’s timetable may involve evening sessions or travel across sites. The cost of transportation and availability to access late sessions should be considered before applying.

The internship has no formal assessment but interns are expected to keep a detailed work diary over the duration of their programme.

All interns are expected to have exemplary attendance and punctuality and must be properly presented in College uniform at all times.

A professional development plan and skills audit will be developed to plot out the intern’s next steps towards their chosen career path.

Further Study

Interns can progress to any full-time course in Sport, commensurate to their GCSE profile and specialist qualifications.

Careers

Interns may wish to continue towards employment in their chosen specialism. Alternatively, they may wish to start a different internship to gain further experience and industry knowledge.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk