Teenager Miriam Johannes has made a promising career move thanks to a basketball apprenticeship with Norfolk Hoopstars. Here, she shares her story as a new grant scheme is being offered in Broadland and South Norfolk
Basketball coaching might not seem like the obvious apprenticeship role, but it is providing a promising career path for teenager Miriam Johannes. The Norwich youngster became the first assistant coach with Norfolk Hoopstars at just 14 and three years on she has begun working for the countywide sports club through a Government-funded apprenticeship.
Her aunt Amy Harper-Black, who runs the organisation with her wife Claire, says: ‘She is the perfect candidate because she is fantastic with the kids and is a great basketball coach. It has been a huge success from our side, and she only recently started her course.’
Miriam spoke of her apprenticeship story as a new grant scheme is being offered for small to medium-sized businesses or budding apprentices based in Broadland or South Norfolk. A £2,000 grant is available to firms thinking of hiring an apprentice, and there are a limited number of £5,000 grants designed for those seeking to develop green skills in their workforce through Building Futures.
Norfolk Hoopstars was established in 2021 as a community interest company dedicated to increasing participation in basketball for people of all ages and skill levels. Starting with sessions in a single location, it now offers up to 50 weekly sessions for around 600 people.
In 2023, its achievements included the establishment of nine performance teams, the operation of 14-16 community hub locations and links with 16 schools.
Like many students, Miriam wasn’t completely sure what she wanted to do after her GCSEs, which she took at Sprowston Community Academy. She enrolled on a hairdressing course at City College Norwich but soon found it wasn’t for her, and she found it difficult to get a job locally.
Amy saw an apprenticeship with Norfolk Hoopstars as a viable opportunity for her niece because of her coaching experience and she has now started a Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship. The course will take around 18 months, including a two-month end-point assessment.
‘It has helped me in ways I did not think were possible,’ says Miriam. ‘I’m developing more skills as a coach and a person. I have support from my tutor as well as Amy and Claire. ‘I didn’t know it would be as fun. I was never good on computers but now I’m really techy.’
For the fast-growing organisation, the additional admin support Miriam is providing is as valuable as her coaching of teams from the Under Nines and upwards.
Amy has also been delighted to witness the difference it has made to her niece’s confidence, ‘realising there is something out there for her’.
She adds: ‘We have big dreams and plans, and she is happy to be part of these. The impact on her physically and mentally has been phenomenal.’
To find out more about Building Futures’ Apprenticeship incentive grant, visit apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org. Also, visit Norfolk Hoopstars.
Featured image of Miriam Johannes by Richard Balls
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