Examining the Impact of Coaching Apprenticeship Programs

Personal experience strongly supported the conviction that apprenticeship programs designed by and for women coaches would be instrumental in expanding both numbers and skill sets. Several years after the launch of two such programs, participant response upheld that belief, but formal authentication was deemed essential if the programs were to continue. Subsequent evaluation of two apprenticeship programs—the Women in Coaching Canada Games Apprenticeship Program and the Female Apprenticeship Program run by the Canadian Colleges Athletics Association—produced positive evidence. Going one step further, it was decided to go beyond cold facts and solicit direct responses from a representative group of apprentices from both programs. Entrusted with the task was Rose Mercier, who has been heavily involved in developing and facilitating the Canada Games program. The resulting article provides solid evidence of the value of each program, of the professional development vacuum each fills, and of the importance of continuing and expanding such programs and thereby contributing to the overall health of sport in Canada. — Sheila Robertson

The views expressed in the articles of the Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies of the Coaching Association of Canada.