COURSE

Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Standard

The broad purpose of this occupation is to work with a wide range of individuals and teams across organisations to empower and engage with them to enhance their professional performance. Coaching is a way of leading in a non-directive manner, helping people to learn through deep listening and reflective, open questions rather than instructing, giving advice or making suggestions. This occupation is found in private, public and third sector national and multinational organisations. It is found in every sector across the country including, for example, the health sector, finance sector, engineering and manufacturing sectors, business and professional services, education sector, retail sector, leisure sector, technology sector and construction.

There has been a growing demand for the professionalisation of coaching to include one-to-one coaching, team coaching, leadership coaching and for coaching skills to be embedded within culture and governance infrastructures to support future ways of working.

Job Roles suitable for this qualification

Examples of job roles this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are:

  • Business Coach
  • Coach
  • Career Coach
  • Coaching Practitioner
  • Coaching Professional
  • Leadership Coach
  • Performance Coach
  • Sustainability Coach
  • Systemic Coach
  • Team Coach
  • Wellbeing Coach

Entry Requirements

  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
  • For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
  • A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Duration

The qualification usually takes around 14 months (excl. 3 months EPA period). However, it is possible to complete earlier depending on the existing achievements and individual circumstances. This can be discussed with your tutor. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

    Aims of the qualification

    The aim of this qualification is to support the apprentice’s understanding of the 3 key areas covering the following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs):

    Knowledge Skills Behaviours
    • Learning and reflective practice theories
    • Time management
    • Self-development
    • Emotional and social intelligence theories
    • Goals setting
    • Self-awareness
    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Communication
    • Resilience
    • Personality type theories
    • Stakeholder management
    • Spontaneous and flexible
    • Coaching models and techniques
    • Rapport/trust building
    • Organisational culture and values
    • Self-awareness
    • Coaching theory
    • Questioning techniques
    • Methods of communication
    • Feedback
    • Return on investment
    • Emotional intelligence
    • Legislation and ethics
    • Coaching theories, models, tools and techniques
    • Diversity management

     

    On-Programme Learning/Delivery

    On-programme assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.

    Apprentices will be allocated a qualified tutor to support the full completion of the apprenticeship and prepare them for the end-point assessment (sometimes 2 tutors will be required at different times for teaching different elements). The tutor will undertake engaging and interactive teaching, learning and support sessions with the apprentice on a regular basis (at least every 4-5 weeks), either remotely via Microsoft Teams or in the workplace if appropriate, to conduct teaching, learning and assessments. These will be planned with the apprentice and employer.

    The tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their tutor in between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Standard
    • Level 2 Functional Skills in English (if not exempt)
    • Level 2 Functional Skills in maths (if not exempt)

    Assessment Gateway

    Before the apprentice is adjudged ready to undertake the end-point assessment by their employer and training provider, they will need to:

    • Receive confirmation from the employer that the apprentice is deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA
    • Confirm that they are ready to take the EPA
    • Achieve Level 2 in English and maths Functional Skills (if not exempt)
    • Submit a portfolio of evidence to support the interview

    The purpose of the end-point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.

    The end-point assessment:

    • provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship.
    • enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work.
    • tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.

    End-Point Assessment

    An end-point assessment will be conducted by an approved independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR).

    The end-point assessment will comprise three assessments. All assessments must be individually passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent:

    • Observation with Questions and Answers:
    The apprentice will be observed by an independent assessor completing work in the normal workplace, demonstrating the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. The observation lasts for 2 hours and 20 minutes, followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.

    Grading for Observation with Questions and Answers: Pass/Distinction

    • Interview supported by a Portfolio of Evidence:
    The independent assessor conducts a 60-minute interview with the apprentice to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. The apprentice is allowed to refer to their portfolio of evidence during the interview to support their responses.

    Grading for Interview supported by a Portfolio of Evidence: Pass/Distinction

    • Knowledge Test:

    The knowledge test is a 90-minute test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which will be based on two true-to-life management scenarios.

    Grading for Knowledge Test: Pass/Distinction

    Overall apprenticeship standard grade: Pass/Distinction

    Professional Recognition

    This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

    • The European Mentoring and Coaching Council for Accredited Coaching Practitioner
    • The Association for Coaching for Accredited Coach
    • The International Coach Federation for Associate Certified Coach