SUNDERLAND College apprentices are sharing their sporting skills, as part of a partnership that sees them support schools across the region.
Thirteen apprentices have been snapped up to take part in an apprenticeship programme with PEAK (Physical Education and Active Kids), an innovative provider of PE services and delivery to schools across the United Kingdom.
The partnership – which this year marks the 48th apprentice to sign up to the course – will see the college students work as part of the PEAK team to deliver PE classes to primary school children across Tyne and Wear.
PEAK was founded by experienced former senior managers and physical educationalists from schools in the North East, and is designed to deliver a high standard of PE to primary school children, who often have to rely on their class teacher to deliver sport sessions.
CEO of PEAK, Dave Johnson, said: “We know that physical education delivers huge benefits to young people in terms of their health and wellbeing. But in primary school, there is rarely a dedicated PE teacher, or someone who is able to coordinate PE to meet the needs of the students.
“PEAK aims to ensure that every young person has access to high-quality PE classes, and by taking on a team of young, eager and hardworking apprentices, we can work with more schools and make it possible for them to have access to a sports specialist, who is able to deliver a more-rounded, appropriate PE programme for their young people.”
PEAK chose to work with Sunderland College after being impressed by the team’s personalised approach.
Dave, who founded the company in 2014, said: “The college has some incredible sports facilities, and a team that is absolutely attuned to our needs as a business. We felt very strongly that, in working with them, we would be able to establish a sustainable, strategic relationship that will continue to meet our needs as we expand.
“Without this programme, PEAK wouldn’t have been able to develop so quickly, and that’s credit to the support of the college, which is a key partner for us.”
The apprenticeship programme will see Sunderland College deliver the theoretical based education to young people, while they gain on the job training at a number of North East schools. PEAK has engaged with more than 25 schools across the area since getting set up, and the programme has delivered positive outcomes with more than 70 per cent of those completing the course securing employment or going on to further or higher education.
Iain Nixon, executive director of commercial activity at Sunderland College, said: “We have formed a very strong relationship with PEAK, a company that is making PE more accessible to schools who might otherwise be unable to afford dedicated provision.
“We are delighted to be able to bring through more young talent, and to create opportunities for them to gain the hands-on skills they will need to succeed in the world of work. the success of the programme speaks for itself, with a great many students progressing into employment or ongoing education, which is ultimately what we are here to do.
“It’s fantastic to work with PEAK and we look forward to supporting the team as they continue to develop and grow.”
To find out more about Sunderland College visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk.