Sara Evans is a Level 3 Sport Development apprentice who coaches and promotes sport across the Carmarthen area. She attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin before starting her apprenticeship.
Sara was nominated by her assessor, Carys, and here’s what Carys had to say:
“Sara has started her Level 3 Apprenticeship particularly strongly and leads sessions of the highest standard. She prepares in advance so that each session is inclusive and encourages all participants. In terms of coursework, Sara produces particularly high‑quality work and manages her time brilliantly. She is keen to develop and contributes effectively to workshops that benefit other apprentices.”
Why did you decide to undertake an apprenticeship with the Urdd?
I wasn’t sure what to study at university, so I took a step back and looked for other options that would be beneficial to me. Then, through contacts, I discovered the option of an apprenticeship with the Urdd.
What do you enjoy most about the apprenticeship?
I enjoy meeting new people and having a variety of experiences, such as attending a table tennis course, a gymnastics training course, and courses that expand my ability when working with pupils. But the thing I enjoy most is seeing children succeed — whether that’s a small success, like being able to catch a ball, or a bigger success, like shooting and scoring in netball.
What does undertaking an apprenticeship through the medium of Welsh mean to you?
I’m very passionate about the Welsh language, and it’s a privilege to be able to work in an organisation that promotes the language. In terms of my coursework, it has made life easier being able to complete the qualifications through Welsh. This is a big help for me, as Welsh is my first language.
What are your interests outside of work?
I play hockey for Llandysul Hockey Club.
In what way has doing the apprenticeship affected your personal development?
As I've outlined above, I've had loads of broad experiences in different environments, and this has certainly developed my abilities for the future.
In what way has the development of your skills (Numeracy, Communication or Digital Literacy) contributed towards your apprenticeship?
These skills have been valuable to me from the very start of the apprenticeship, and I now use them without even noticing. I communicate every day, whether that’s with pupils, teachers, colleagues or parents. I also use numeracy skills in clubs — for example, to count how many participants there are, if it’s necessary to divide them into teams, which number would be equal for fair teams, and also when timing the session.
What do you hope to do after completing the apprenticeship?
I have applied to go to university to study the Principles of Sport. I feel that working in the Sports Department and seeing both physical development and the development of participants’ abilities, has increased my interest in studying the scientific side of sport in more detail.