Apprenticeship is a slam dunk

Basketball coaching might not seem like the obvious apprenticeship role, but it is providing a promising career path for teenager Miriam Johannes.

The former Sprowston Academy pupil  became the first assistant coach with Norfolk Hoopstars when she was just 14 –and three years on she has begun working for the countywide sports club through a government-funded apprenticeship.

Miriam Johannes – Norfolk Hoopstars

Her aunt, Amy Harper-Black, who runs the organisation with her wife, Claire, said: “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 we are only in week three of her starting her course.”

Norfolk Hoopstars was established in 2021 as a community interest company dedicated to increasing participation in basketball.

Starting with sessions in one location, it now offers up to 50 weekly sessions for around 600 people.

Like many youngsters, Miriam wasn’t completely sure what she wanted to do after her GCSEs.

She enrolled on a hairdressing course at City College Norwich but soon found it wasn’t for her. But her aunt saw an apprenticeship with Norfolk Hoopstars as a viable opportunity for her because of her coaching experience, and she has now started a Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship.

“It has helped me in ways I did not think were possible,” said Miriam. “I didn’t know it would be as fun. I was never good on computers but now I’m really techy!”

And she is playing a big part in the future of Hoopstars, said Amy.

“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.”

Amy Harper-Black, Miriam Johannes, Claire Harper-Black – Norfolk Hoopstars

Visit www.apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org to find out about more opportunities.