Emily Purbrick Sets Remarkable Standard in the Community Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship

Emily Purbrick, an apprentice at Peterborough United Foundation, has set an impressive standard, achieving a remarkable distinction in all four assessment areas of her Community Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship. This isn’t just a pat on the back, this outstanding feat is particularly noteworthy – data suggests that this level of achievement is rare, according to Paul Brannan, Managing Director of Elite Awarding who noted “All 4 at distinction level is very rare... Congratulations, Emily.”

Emily, who opted for an apprenticeship instead of a traditional university route, expressed immense pride in her achievement. She acknowledges the significant support she received throughout the apprenticeship programme, particularly from her employer, colleagues, and her dedicated tutor, Duncan. Emily said, "I am so proud to have achieved a distinction. When I spoke to my tutor, I could not quite believe that I had received distinctions in all 4 areas of EPA...". This support system was a key factor in pushing her to not only complete the apprenticeship but excel and achieve the very best possible outcome. Looking ahead, Emily is "looking forward to helping more people and groups in my community be active and lead healthy lifestyles."

A Journey of Reflection:

Reflecting on Emily’s journey, her Tutor, Duncan Donnelly said, “Emily is the epitome of a Community Sport and Health Officer and fulfils a role within Peterborough United Foundation that through a range of projects has a huge positive impact on the local community through physical activity and sport.” He further added that, “one of the things that impressed me most about Emily was her understanding of her community and its needs, especially groups in the community who can feel isolated and struggle to access physical activity. Her work with dementia sufferers and the elderly was hugely inspiring and I hope that the learning, knowledge, and experience gained from her apprenticeship supports her to continue the fantastic work she is already doing.”

The foundation is elated with the results and hard work that Emily has put into her role at Peterborough United Foundation, and the developments she has made in the local community as Gill Wignall, Chief Executive, who evidenced the key role and importance of apprentices, taking part in Emily’s EPA Work Based Observation commented “Fantastic achievement Emily “. Chris Abbott (Competitions and Club Development Officer Cambridgeshire FA) commented “A fantastic achievement Emily, well done”.

We later asked Duncan about the support and opportunities that Peterborough United Foundation had provided Emily with throughout her apprenticeship to which he commented, “Peterborough United Foundation and in particular Community Manager Jenna Lusk have supported her apprenticeship fantastically well and provided first-class mentoring and access the CPD and training such as her Chair Based Exercise Qualification which has supported her work with the elderly in the community.”

This achievement is a true testament to the collaborative efforts of Emily Purbrick, Peterborough United Foundation, Sport Structures as the Training Provider and the EPAO, showcasing the true essence of Apprenticeships at work.