Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship

Professionally Accredited Programmes
Apprenticeships

Two women in professional workwear at a desk with a laptop, looking over some papers and smiling.

The Coaching Professional Apprenticeship course is designed to develop the professional knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be an effective coach and mentor.

Start date

January
May
October

Location

In the workplace
In schools

Course code

CRBU003 - Schools and colleges
CRBU002 - Internal and non-education routes

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

15 months part-time

Cost

Apprenticeship levy funded

Age phases

Primary
Secondary

Course overview

Leading to the Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship qualification, this practical, evidence-based course is beneficial for those who want to develop their skills to actively listen, provide feedback and use coaching and mentoring to advance performance.

We offer two pathways. The first is for mentors in schools and colleges, with responsibility for developing newly qualified teachers as part of the Early Career Framework, or trainee teachers undertaking the PGCE. The second pathway is for those who have the ambition to become coaches, or who are responsible for leading and managing others in organisations beyond the education sector. This may be in a public or private sector setting.

The course is mapped to the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, and as a result of undertaking the apprenticeship, an additional qualification will also be achieved.
The content is designed to strengthen your understanding of how the organisational context can affect both coaching and mentoring. It allows for the planning, delivery and review of those you will coach and mentor.
The course acts to both reward and recognise you for undertaking this important role within your school or college, in supporting those new to teaching, or undertaking teacher training, or as part of your role in a public or private organisation.

Accreditation and professional recognition

ILM

This course is aligned to the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. Candidates who successfully complete the End Point Assessment (EPA) will gain this additional qualification¹ which is aimed at managers and those with significant responsibility for effective coaching and mentoring as part of their daily role within an organisational context or as a freelance coach or mentor.

Course details

The course is for 15 months, plus the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Each of the three modules are delivered and assessed before undertaking the next. This allows you to progressively achieve and understand your success as you continue.

As part of the programme you will receive regular coaching sessions and be observed when undertaking a mentoring/coaching session. In addition, you are required to undertake a minimum of 18 hours formal coaching or mentoring with a maximum of three and minimum of two individuals.

Each module covers a different, but related aspect of coaching and mentoring as follows.

Modules

Understanding the Skills, Principles and Practice of Effective Coaching and Mentoring within an Organisational Context

Understand the role and significance of coaching and mentoring within an organisational framework.
Acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviour essential for effective coaching or mentoring.
Recognise the vital importance of proficient contracting and adept management of the coaching or mentoring process.

Compulsory

Undertaking Effective Coaching or Mentoring within an Organisational Context

Strategically plan and prepare for the delivery of effective coaching or mentoring programme within an organisational framework.
Execute and document a minimum of 18 hours of impactful coaching or mentoring, catering to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 individuals.
Manifest ongoing reflection and assessment of personal coaching or mentoring practices.

Compulsory

Reviewing Your Own Ability as a Coach or Mentor within an Organisational Context

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Entry requirements

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

Hold a GCSE Grade 4 / C or above in English and Mathematics.

You must have the opportunity to be engaged in a coaching relationship and display the behavioural attributes required of a coach, such as trust and integrity.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will be supported by your employer to undertake 'off the job' activities to successfully progress with the course. This time permits you to study, complete tasks and meet with your University Tutors to support you in completing the required assessments.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	Not available	Apprenticeship levy funded

This course comes at no cost to the student as it is fully funded by the employer’s Apprenticeship Levy.

How to apply

UK students

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study this course?

This apprenticeship programme has been designed to offer development opportunities to a diverse audience. It caters to individuals looking to embark on their journey towards becoming a Professional Coach, as well as those who have already accumulated practical experience but seek a comprehensive understanding of coaching theories, methodologies, and techniques.

Who is the course for?

There are two pathways to undertake the Coaching Apprenticeship.

Working within a School or College?
The first is for mentors in schools and colleges, with responsibility for developing newly qualified teachers as part of the Early Career Framework, or trainee teachers undertaking the PGCE.
Working within an organisation other than a School or a College?
The second pathway is for those who have the ambition to become coaches, or who are responsible for leading and managing others in organisations beyond the education sector. This may be in a public or private sector setting.

How will I learn?

You will be required to attend one live online session once a month. Opportunities to attend individual support sessions, group supervision and peer learning and networking will be available. The course content is available online, enabling you to study and revisit as required on our virtual learning platform, Aula, which is both interactive and engaging.

The course comprises of twelve workshops across twelve months plus up to three months for End Point Assessment.

Various start dates are available throughout the year depending on the pathway chosen.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods:

Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Assessments

Assignment
Portfolio (Coaching Journey)
Reflective Journal

End Point Assessment

Observation with questions and answers
Interview supported by portfolio of evidence
Knowledge Test

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

What qualifications will I gain on successful completion?

Level 5 Coaching Professional qualification
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring qualification

What are the benefits of successfully completing the Coaching apprenticeship?

Professional development
This apprenticeship provides a structured pathway for individuals to develop their coaching skills and knowledge, making them more proficient in their roles.

Practical experience
Apprentices gain hands-on experience in coaching, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Support
The apprenticeship includes support from experienced coaches, offering valuable guidance and support.

Qualifications
Completing the coaching apprenticeship leads to recognised qualifications, enhancing career prospects.

Networking
Apprentices have opportunities to build a network within the coaching community, which can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.

Improved coaching techniques
Through training and feedback, apprentices refine their coaching techniques, becoming more effective coaches.

Personal growth
The apprenticeship involves personal development, leading to enhanced self-awareness and interpersonal skills.

Career advancement
Qualified coaches are in demand across various industries, making coaching apprenticeships a stepping stone to career advancement.

Positive impact
Coaches profoundly impact individuals and their organisations, making coaching a rewarding profession.

Entrepreneurial opportunities
Some coaches choose to start their own coaching businesses, enjoying the flexibility and potential financial benefits.

Lifelong learning
Coaching is a field that continuously evolves, and apprenticeships promote a culture of lifelong learning and development.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure may be required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.