Creating pathways to employment: Coach Core’s paid internships for diverse young talent

Amid high levels of youth unemployment, Coach Core provides paid internships at London Living Wage, aimed at helping under-represented youth gain valuable experience in the sport and charity sectors.

By James Burbidge · 1st October 2024

At Coach Core, we’re committed to leading by example. By providing paid internships at London Living Wage, we’re not just advocating for change; we’re taking tangible steps to empower young people from under-represented backgrounds to succeed in the sports and charity sectors.

Paul Thompson, Director of People and Learning

Youth unemployment is at the highest levels in a decade, with long-term impacts on those who go through an extended period of joblessness at this critical time in their lives. For those facing additional barriers to employment, getting started in the world of work is simultaneously more difficult and more important.

At Coach Core our mission is to reduce youth unemployment, using the power of sport and apprenticeships. We have tremendous impact across the country through the work we do with our employer partners and now we are able to offer similar opportunities within our central team too, thanks to a partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). Together we have created London Living Wage paid internships specifically designed for young people aged 18-24 from under-represented backgrounds. We want to change the narrative and provide pathways for those who may not have previously considered a career in sport or charity.

Both the sports and charity sectors have long faced challenges in reflecting the rich diversity of our communities. Many talented individuals encounter barriers that prevent them from pursuing careers in this exciting field. These 14-month internships are more than just job placements; they represent a vital stepping stone for young individuals to build real-world skills and gain valuable experience. Whether working in fundraising, marketing, or mentoring, our interns will play a crucial role in our mission to promote sport as a vehicle for positive change.

At Coach Core, we understand that the journey doesn’t end with the internships themselves. We’re offering robust support systems, including dedicated mentors, regular training, and personalised development plans. Our commitment to fostering skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork ensures that each intern is not only prepared for their immediate role but is also equipped for future challenges in their careers.

Moreover, we strive to create a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels valued and heard. By prioritising candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, low-income households, care leavers, and other under-represented groups, we actively work to dismantle the barriers that have historically excluded these voices from the sports industry.

As we provide these opportunities, we remain inspired by the passion and potential of the young people we work with. Together, we can pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive landscape, ensuring that every young person has the chance to thrive.

To learn more about the roles, please visit our careers page:

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