Job Overview: Cycling coaches, also known as cycling instructors, assist individuals in enhancing their cycling abilities.
Salary and Hours:
- Average Salary: £18,000 to £27,000 per year
- Typical Working Hours: 36 to 38 hours per week, often including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
How to Become:
- University: Pursue a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in a sports-related field like sports science.
- Entry Requirements: Typically 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree or higher national diploma, and 2 to 3 A levels for a degree.
- Apprenticeship: Start with an intermediate apprenticeship as a community activator coach.
- Entry Requirements: Some GCSEs, usually including English and maths.
- Volunteering: Develop coaching skills through volunteering, with opportunities available through organisations like British Cycling.
- Other Routes: Obtain qualifications in coaching through professional bodies like British Cycling, offering levels ranging from Foundation Award to Certificate in Coaching Cycling.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Leadership skills
- Teaching and motivational abilities
- Patience and composure in stressful situations
- Excellent verbal communication and course design skills
- Attention to detail and initiative
- Basic computer proficiency
Restrictions and Requirements:
- Insurance coverage
- Enhanced background checks
- First aid certification
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years
Day-to-Day Tasks:
- Planning coaching activities for different rider groups
- Improving riding techniques
- Promoting cycling through collaboration with schools, community groups, and sports organisations
Working Environment:
- Sports fields, arenas, or race tracks
Career Progression:
- Development coach roles with organisations like British Cycling
- Employment with local authorities or sports development organisations
- Self-employment as a coach designing training programmes
- Transition into other areas of the sports industry with experience