Sports fans are being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a major multi-sport event after Birmingham 2022 confirmed that it was adding two sport specific roles to its popular apprenticeship scheme.
The scheme was only launched in late September but more than 1,100 people have already applied to be part of it, with eight apprentices appointed and a total of 12 expected to start work in January on helping to plan and deliver the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands.
The sports specific apprenticeship roles, which are open to people of all ages, are expected to attract applicants who are passionate about sport, as the successful candidates will have an opportunity to learn from and build relationships with major industry stakeholders. The apprentices will be given a unique chance to kick start their careers by working on the biggest sports event to be staged in the UK for ten years.
The sport apprentices will take on the role of Sport Team Assistant, working closely with the Director of Sport and assisting the wider sports team with co-ordinating updates to project plans, preparing presentations and reports and providing general administrative support.
These apprenticeship roles are two of eight that are currently vacant, with two technology and four accreditation apprentices also being sought. The accreditation apprentices will work with the team responsible for creating and managing the system that will enable approximately 80,000 people to work on and participate in the Games.
John Crabtree, Chair of Birmingham 2022, said: “Our commitment to expand the apprenticeship scheme at this pace means we can offer even more roles throughout the organisation. Not only will the successful applicants learn new skills and gain valuable experience but they will also be able to say that they were part of history, helping to organise an event which will put Birmingham and the region firmly in the global spotlight.”
“We hope to recruit around 30 apprentices in total and once the successful candidates have completed their apprenticeship they will continue working for the organisation, helping us to deliver a spectacular edition of the Games in the summer of 2022.”
The application process for the apprenticeship roles, which are open to everyone with a grade C (Level 4) in English, Grade D (Level 3) in Maths and with basic computer literacy skills, is very straightforward, with candidates simply completing a guided application.
More details about the roles, and how to apply for them, can be found on a new website at birmingham2022.gigroup.com The site has been introduced to make it even easier to find out about vacancies at Birmingham 2022 and it has a section dedicated to apprenticeships, with interview advice and some mock interview questions included.
The site has been created by Gi Group, official recruitment partner for Birmingham 2022 and Gi Group UK Chief Executive Officer, Paulo Canoa, said: “We wanted to provide an exceptional candidate experience and to make it as easy as possible for people to access information about and apply for Birmingham 2022 roles. The dedicated website, provides information about each department, advertises all of the vacancies and explains the recruitment process.
“Together with Birmingham 2022’s, recruitment and HR teams, we will also provide the best possible apprenticeship training and learning support and ensure the new recruits have a rewarding experience during their time with the company and develop the employability skills for future success.”
Minister for Sport, Heritage and Tourism, Nigel Huddleston, said: "Backed by almost £600 million of government investment, Birmingham 2022 will create new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. I'm delighted to see that this apprenticeship scheme will help us to do just that, offering a unique opportunity to play a role in the UK's biggest sporting event in a decade, and develop new skills along the way."
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it will create for people across the West Midlands, and that has become even more critical given the backdrop of the pandemic.
“These apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities for people to not only get involved in the biggest sporting event the region has ever held, but to also find a route into employment.
“I would encourage everyone to think about how they can play their part in the Commonwealth Games and help shape the future of our region, whether that is through these apprenticeships or some of the other opportunities on offer.”
The extension of the apprenticeship scheme also comes as Birmingham 2022 confirmed it is looking to recruit another 25 new members of staff before the end of 2020. Current vacancies, including those for roles starting in 2021 which are also already being advertised, can be found at birmingham2022.gigroup.com with the marketing, procurement, accessibility and volunteering teams all currently recruiting.
