Level 2 community activator coach apprenticeship
Inspiring communities to be more active through coaching and participation
The level 2 community activator coach apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to plan, lead, and coach physical activities for people of all ages within their local communities. Apprentices will learn how to inspire participation, support active lifestyles, and work with community partners to deliver inclusive and engaging sport and physical activity sessions.
Delivered nationally by Skern Skills, this programme combines workplace learning, expert coaching, and hands-on experience to develop confident, capable coaches who make a positive impact in their communities.
During this apprenticeship learners will:
- Plan, lead, and coach physical activities and sport sessions.
- Engage with individuals, families, and groups to promote active and healthy lifestyles.
- Assess risk and manage health and safety throughout sessions.
- Support and deliver community sport events and activity sessions.
- Work with local organisations, sports clubs, and volunteers to increase participation.
- Manage customer welfare and promote positive behaviour.
- Encourage sustainable community engagement and lifelong physical activity habits.
Core Knowledge Areas
- Health, wellbeing, and social benefits of physical activity
- The role of activity in strengthening communities
- Barriers to participation and inactivity
- Behaviour change models and frameworks
- Understanding motivation, confidence, and habits
- Factors influencing long-term participation
- Core coaching theories and styles
- Leadership principles in community settings
- Creating positive and supportive environments
- The value of informal and outdoor activity spaces
- Understanding community environments and local need
- How place influences engagement and access
- Customer insight and participation trends
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion principles
- Safeguarding, safety, and participant wellbeing knowledge
Key Skills
Planning and delivery
- Plan and adapt sessions and activities that respond to customer needs and feedback.
- Deliver pre-planned physical activity sessions that attract and retain participants.
Coaching and community engagement
- Promote physical activity opportunities in the community.
- Work collaboratively with local partners, including volunteers, public services, and community leaders.
Inclusion and behaviour management
- Support families and individuals to take part in activities together.
- Manage behaviour constructively and ensure participant wellbeing.
Professionalism and personal development
- Model integrity, enthusiasm, and an active lifestyle.
- Build meaningful, respectful relationships and act as a positive role model.
Programme Details
This apprenticeship will typically take 12 months.
- GCSE Grades 1 or above in English and Maths.
- Applicants must have, or be seeking, a suitable employer.
On completion, apprentices will:
- Deliver safe, effective, and engaging sport and physical activity sessions.
- Demonstrate the confidence to work independently and within community teams.
- Achieve the Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship Standard.
- Gain professional recognition as an Affiliate Member of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).
- Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor (subject to suitability)
- Sports Coach
- Community Engagement Officer
- Activity Leader
For Employers
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Develop skilled, confident coaches who promote physical activity and wellbeing in the community.
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Strengthen local engagement through inclusive, motivating sport and activity delivery.
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Build leadership capacity and encourage professional growth within your organisation.
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Support social impact and community development through active participation.
Why choose Skern?
With 50 years of experience delivering outdoor and community-based learning, Skern Skills is a trusted specialist in developing confident, people-focused professionals who inspire others to be active. Our programmes are grounded in real-world practice and shaped by a strong understanding of communities, participation, and wellbeing. We work closely with employers to ensure every apprenticeship is relevant, inclusive, and aligned to organisational goals and community needs.
- Community and activity specialists – over five decades of sector experience
- National delivery – training provided across the UK by experienced practitioners
- Tailored learning – programmes adapted to your organisation and community context
- Flexible delivery – one-to-one coaching, group sessions, and e-learning
- Experiential learning – practical, real-world learning opportunities
- End-to-end support – guidance from enrolment through to assessment and completion
Funding
This apprenticeship can be fully funded through your Apprenticeship Levy Account if you are a Levy-paying employer.
If you are a Non-Levy paying employer, the government will fund 95% of the total cost, with the employer contributing the remaining 5%.
However, for apprentices aged 16 to 21, the government will fully fund 100% of the cost, with no employer contribution required.
Additionally, Skern can support you in identifying and applying for Levy Transfer funds, which can cover the full cost for other age groups—making the apprenticeship 100% fully funded for all eligible learners.
Register your interest
