NEVER mind Alan Sugar – York City in the Community are looking for their next batch of apprentices.

The Minstermen’s community team are looking for up to eight new candidates to take part in their next Young Coaching Apprenticeship scheme, starting in mid-July and lasting 20 weeks.

Apprentices must be aged between 16 and 18 and cannot be in any other form of education, while being available for work and learning for 30 hours a week, with hours dictated by the demands of the coaching diary.

Anybody enrolled on to the course will receive a contract of employment from Skillsfinder at an hourly rate of £2.60 or up to £78 a week for a full week’s work, paid on a monthly basis.

The 20-week contract provides an opportunity to experience all types and styles of coaching, while completing the following qualifications: NVQ Level 2 Activity Leadership, 3 Key Skills: Numeracy, Literacy & ICT, Award in Participation in Sport and Leisure in the Community, Employment Awareness Certificate and the FA Level 1 Coaching Qualification, which includes First Aid and Safeguarding Children certificates.

Commenting on the apprenticeship, City’s community manager Paula Stainton said: “This is an ideal stepping stone after leaving school or college, to break into the job market.

“The aim of the apprenticeships is to give young people a hands-on experience of working in a sports coaching environment, while providing practical qualifications required for the industry, giving them the chance to decide if the role is for them and providing quality details for their CV.

“Opportunities may also be available to progress on to more advanced programmes, after completion of the initial contract.”

If you are interested in finding out more or applying for a place, email community@yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk by June 8.

Candidates will be invited for interviews during late June.