Oxfordshire firm specialising in sport and apprenticeships on training
CEO Justin Merritt started the business in Thame
An Oxfordshire firm which specialises in apprenticeship training and sports coaching is celebrating its 25th birthday, and have been talking to us about opportunities.
Ignite Sport launched in 1999 with holiday camps and after school clubs as part of plans to inspire people to become the best version of themselves through the power of sport and participation.
Founder and CEO Justin Merritt started the business in Thame and has since moved across Oxfordshire to its current head office in Marston, where it employs more than 40 coaches.
The Ignite Training team works in partnership with professional sports clubs, schools, charities and organisations across the UK by providing apprenticeship training nowadays.
Justin says he's a firm believer in apprenticeships schemes:
"...apprenticeship training represents the future of the business with Ignite’s services playing a key role in addressing skills gaps and boosting people’s employability.
“Addressing skills gaps remains our biggest challenge with more businesses reporting a lapse in skills required to complete jobs to a high standard, which is affecting employers’ ability to grow their operation.
“Apprenticeships provide the answer by blending real-life, on-the-job, experiences with quality and tailored education which is relevant to the learner’s role.
“It’s often misunderstood that apprenticeships serve school leavers and those wishing to work in manual roles only. Today, they serve all sectors and can benefit both new and existing employees wishing to upskill and take their career to the next level.”