Apprenticeships fell out of fashion over the last decade, but now they’re making quite the comeback. With more apprenticeship options available and the cost of further education rising the appeal of an apprenticeship is once again an appealing prospect.
The government have also been encouraging businesses to offer apprenticeships which has helped to increase the variety of businesses and career areas available to those looking to become an apprentice.
Thame.net spoke to past apprentice, Ellis at Racquets, about how he came to take up the opportunity and what he’s gained from his apprenticeship. Ellis has completed his apprenticeship and is now one of the team of personal trainers at Racquets.
In addition to providing personal training, Ellis has recently competed in several high-profile bodybuilding competitions including the Arnold Classic UK and British Championships. His dedication and hard work to his career are something to be highly respected and we wish him all the good fortune in his future competitions. If you want to track Ellis’ amazing progress then visit his website or follow him on Instagram here.
You don’t need to aspire to be the next Arnie to take up an apprenticeship at Racquets, there are lots of other opportunities which I’m sure they’d love to talk to you about. Visit the Racquets website for more information on how to contact them.
You can see current vacancies, including apprenticeships here.
Ellis’ story – from a Thame apprenticeship to top bodybuilder
What did you do before Racquets – school? Work?
I went to school and later Sixth Form at Lord Williams’ in Thame, although I was never particularly sporty at school and didn’t take on any extra-curricular P.E. in that time. While at Sixth Form I picked up a job at waiting tables at Little Chef. I remember buying a pair of dumbbells with my first ever paycheck and from there the fire was lit. After leaving school I worked at Little Chef full time, now as a chef, all while slowly building up my modest home gym and using the rest of my earnings to pay for my high protein diet.
How did you find out about the apprenticeship?
After finally ditching the home gym set up I joined Racquets to further progress my training. During my sessions I would see the Personal Trainers helping others and that’s when I decided I wanted a career in the fitness industry. I would ask the manager, Simon regularly with eagerness if there were any vacancies and he’d assure me that he’d keep me in mind once something came up. At this point I was still working at Little Chef, now 19 years old and finally decided enough was enough. I decided that I would hand my notice in, despite having nothing else currently lined up. As fate would have it, later that day after my shift I would get a call from Simon, letting me know that a position as an apprentice Fitness Instructor had become free. I was elated, knowing that I would be working in an industry I was passionate about.
What made you pick an apprenticeship over other work or education?
I liked the idea of being able to learn on the job, gaining hands-on experience and earning money at the same time. It seemed ideal really, and at the time it was. I truly believe that apprenticeships are so valuable, not just in the fitness industry but in any sector that you may be passionate about.
What did you get from the apprenticeship – career-wise and for you personally?
It gave me a foot in the door so to speak, an introduction to working within the fitness industry and an opportunity to learn on the job and get stuck in straight away instead of learning solely from textbooks. Fast forward 7 years and I now run my own successful Personal Training and Bodybuilding Coaching business which has allowed me to work with clients all over the world and earn a living from something I am truly passionate about.
What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
Consider carefully the kind of job you may want to do before jumping in. Yes, apprenticeships can be appealing solely based on the ability to earn while learning, but make sure you do your research, learn about the industry first and make sure it’s something you’d be happy to do for a living. That being said, if you’re able to take up an apprenticeship in a sector that you genuinely do love already, snap that opportunity up as it may be the first step in a long career.
What’s next for you?
As well as delivering personal training sessions at Racquets, I want to continue expanding my business and reach in Online Coaching and through Competitive Bodybuilding.
