The Association of Colleges (AoC) recently published an impact report highlighting the personal growth and individual journeys of several apprentices, including BTC’s own Rosie May.

The report charts the journey of four apprentices and the marked differences in their skills, behaviour and knowledge by the end of the programme.

Sarah Nickless, National Women’s Football Development Officer, said:

The FA Women’s Football Apprentice Programme has afforded the opportunity to find, support and create role models who are the leaders of today, not just the future.

We know the programme is a catalyst in the development of our apprentices as people and we’re thrilled to be able to share this report showcasing the journeys we’ve been privileged to watch.

Rosie May joined BTC from Robert Blake Science College in 2017 to study the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science before switching and successfully completing to a Sports Development Apprenticeship. She is currently working towards a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship. She reflects,

Being an Apprentice has taught me to believe in myself and my abilities. My confidence has increased due to the staff around me believing in me, so in turn, I now believe in myself.

In 2019, Rosie was appointed to the role of English College Football Association (ECFA) Youth Representative after an application and interview. The ECFA National Committee is one of three advisory groups to the AoC’s Sport Board. The committee discusses everything about the Further Education football and futsal sector; how issues can be resolved, problems with leagues, how to get other participants involved and the overall achievement of the FE football/futsal provision.

Rosie said,

I applied to be the youth representative on the ECFA Committee because I have a passion for change, making sure that all young people have the same opportunities as everyone else. I wanted to be a voice for not only young people in the South West, but all over the UK. After my first meeting, I left feeling proud of myself, stretched, challenged and determined. Being a part of the ECFA Committee for me is a huge honour and a privilege.

You can read the AoC’s report here and find out Apprenticeships at BTC by visiting www.btc.ac.uk