Sports & Leisure Sector Qualifications | Portal | 2025

Sports & Leisure Sector FULLY FUNDED QUALIFICATIONS

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Our story Founded in 2010, Portal is a dynamic and innovative bilingual training provider. We support employers with their learning and development strategies to enhance the capacity of their workforce.

Delivering qualifications at levels 2 to 7, we are experienced in supporting the professional development of a wide range of roles, from those new to their positions through to experienced senior leaders. There are over 500 individuals currently accessing and engaged with our programmes.

Portal prides itself on providing tailored support to all our learners and, where relevant with employers, ensuring solid, constructive relationships with all employers. We listen to the needs of the individuals and their organisation to provide qualifications which will allow both to grow together happily. If we feel that we are not best placed to help, then we’ll be honest in stating so and try to find alternatives. Being honest and having integrity whilst enjoying our work is very much at the heart of all we do.

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Contents 4

Sport

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Level 2 Certificate in Activity Leadership - Coaching Pathway

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Level 2 Certificate in Instructing Exercise & Fitness - Gym Instructing Pathway

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Level 3 in Personal Training

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Level 3 Diploma in Delivering Physical Activity and Sport Within a School Environment

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Leadership & Management

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ILM Level 3 Diploma in Management

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ILM Level 4 Diploma in Leadership & Management

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ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management

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Level 4 Diploma in Project Management

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Understanding Our Qualifications

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Funding, Delivery & Eligibility

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Partnerships & Endorsements

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How to Apply

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FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

Shape the future of sports and fitness with our range of accredited qualifications.

Portal’s suite of sports qualifications, accredited by 1st4Sport provides developmental pathways for individuals leading and contributing to physical activities whether in an educational or community setting or within the health and fitness industry.

Whether you’re dedicated to shaping the next generation’s athletic journey or inspiring fitness enthusiasts to reach their goals, our qualifications equip you with the skills to create inclusive environments, understand child development models, and design engaging physical education sessions and activities.

Sports Pathway LEVEL 2 Certificate in Activity Leadership Coaching Pathway

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

Diploma in Delivering PASSE or in Personal Training

Certificate in Instructing Exercise & Fitness Gym Instructing Pathway

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Leading you to where you want to be.

Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Pathway

Who is this qualification for?

Certificate

It is designed for those who have responsibility for the planning, delivery and evaluation of linked and progressive coaching sessions.

Activity Leadership Example Units GLH: 224 •

Support the Work of Your Team and Organisation

This qualification would suit:

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Learners in relevant activity leadership roles

Support Equality and Diversity in Active Leisure and Recreation

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Lead Activity Sessions

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Prepare for Activity Sessions

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Conclude and Review Activity Sessions

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Learners in coaching environments such as grass-root sports coaches, leisure operatives, community sports officers, club coaches, etc.

Learners who wish to become involved in coaching

What does it cover?

Learners will: •

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Focus on skills and competencies needed to plan, deliver, and review a series of linked and progressive sport and physical activity coaching sessions, independently or as part of a coaching team.

Learn principles and practices of safe, ethical, and effective coaching in an appropriate sports environment.

Coaching Example Units GLH: 134 •

The Role of the Coach

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Plan a Series of Coaching Sessions

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Deliver a Series of Coaching Sessions

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Review a Series of Coaching Sessions

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Technical Coaching Requirements for Sport and Physical Activity

LEVEL 2 NVQ CERTIFICATE IN ACTIVITY LEADERSHIP - COACHING PATHWAY

Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Activity Leadership

Completion of the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching will provide learners with 10 CPD points if you are a CIMSPA Practitioner member.

Essential Skills Level 1 AON and Communication

15 Months Fully Funded 5

LEVEL 2 NVQ DIPLOMA IN INSTRUCTING EXERCISE & FITNESS - GYM INSTRUCTING PATHWAY

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Instructing Exercise & Fitness Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing Pathway

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for those who have responsibility for the planning and delivery of safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment.

This qualification would suit: •

Learners who are new to a gym/ fitness environment.

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Learners who wish to forge a career in gym-based instructing and progress to become a Personal Trainer.

Qualification benefits

Qualification delivery

For Individuals • Focus on skills and competencies required to be able to plan, deliver and review a series of instructing sessions in a gymbased environment.

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This qualification will combine face-to-face sessions with online delivery

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Learners are expected to attend monthly sessions lasting 1½ hours

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Be introduced to the principles and practices of safe, ethical and effective practice in leading activity sessions, ensuring competence to the required standard in an appropriate sports environment.

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include: • Written and verbal work • Observation of performance • Work related evidence 6

• Multiple choice examinations

Certificate Instructing Exercise & Fitness Mandatory Units GLH: 242

Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing Units GLH: 45

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Anatomy and physiology for exercise

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Anatomy and physiology for exercise

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Promote health, safety and welfare in active leisure and recreation

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Principles of exercise, fitness and health

Know how to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity

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Work with clients to help them to adhere to exercise and physical activity

Health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment

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Principles of exercise, fitness and health

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Planning gym-based exercise

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Reflect on and develop own practice in providing exercise and physical activity

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Instructing gym-based exercise

Essential Skills Level 1 AON and Communication

15 Months Fully Funded

LEVEL 2 NVQ DIPLOMA IN INSTRUCTING EXERCISE & FITNESS - GYM INSTRUCTING PATHWAY

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

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APPRENTICESHIP - LEVEL 3 IN PERSONAL TRAINING

Level 3 in Personal Training Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is for all aspiring Personal Trainers. With our Level 3 in Personal Training, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to advance your career as a professional Personal Trainer. You’ll enhance your understanding in key areas, enabling you to confidently deliver safe and effective personal training sessions, while supporting and empowering your clients to achieve their fitness goals.

Qualification benefits

For employers

For individuals • Gain the knowledge and understanding required to maintain health, safety and welfare in a personal training environment, including the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults

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Develop individuals with skills and understanding in key physical activity areas, enabling them to better support your clients

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Encourage talent retention by providing professional development opportunities, empowering them to make positive changes and supporting them in achieving their career goals

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Enhance your organisation’s reputation by building a skilled and knowledgeable team that showcase expertise and professionalism

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Gain the skills to create safe, effective personal training programmes for diverse clients while integrating key principles of nutrition

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Achievement of this qualification would also allow learners to progress onto higher level qualifications within the fitness industry

How is the qualification delivered and assessed?

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Mixed methods which could include: • Online and face-to-face sessions • Coursework • Practical demonstrations and assignments • Multiple choice examinations

Personal Training 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma In Personal Training Units GLH: 295

1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training Units GLH: 245

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Promote Health, Safety and Welfare in Active Leisure and Recreation

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Health, Safety and Welfare in a Fitness Environment

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Principles of Exercise, Fitness and Health

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Principles of Exercise, Fitness and Health

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Reflect on and Develop own Practice in Providing Exercise and Physical Activity

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Know How to Support Clients who Take Part in Exercise and Physical Activity

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Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health

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Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health

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Motivate Clients to Maintain Long Term Adherence to Exercise and Physical Activity

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Applying the Principles of Nutrition to a Physical Activity Programme

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Evaluate Exercise and Physical Activity Programmes

Delivering Personal Training Sessions

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Programming Personal Training with Clients

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Design, Manage and Adapt a Personal Training Programme with Clients

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Deliver Exercise and Physical Activity as Part of a Personal Training Programme

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Apply the Principles of Nutrition to Support Client Goals as Part of an Exercise and Physical Activity Programme

APPRENTICESHIP - LEVEL 3 IN PERSONAL TRAINING

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

In addition to the above, learners will also need to complete; •

Level 2 Essential Skills in Application of Number and Communication.

18 Months Fully Funded

Completion of the Level 3 qualification in Personal Training will provide learners with 10 CPD points if you are a CIMSPA Practitioner member.

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LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN DELIVERING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT WITHIN A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT 10

Level 3 Diploma in Delivering Physical Activity and Sport Within a School Environment Who is this qualification for?

Our Level 3 qualification covers everything from inclusive learning environments to child development models, ensuring learners are equipped to create safe and engaging physical education sessions and activities.

The qualification is designed for learners who have the opportunity to demonstrate competence in supporting the delivery of physical education and sport activities in a school sport environment.

This qualification would suit: Those responsible for physical activity and wellbeing in a school environment

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Sports Development Officers

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Sports Coaches in a school environment

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Higher Level Teaching Assistants

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Youth Workers based in schools

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Teaching Assistants

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Promotes the growth of healthy communities.

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Qualification benefits • Develops the knowledge and skills in order to independently lead the delivery of PE and sports programmes in a school sport environment • Develops literacy and numeracy skills through the completion of Essential Skills qualification • Supports the professional growth of the individual practitioner and the school as a learning organisation enabling continuous improvement

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include: • • • •

Written work Professional discussion Observation of performance Work related evidence

Diploma GLH: 290 Example Units

In addition to the above, learners will also need to complete;

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Inclusive Learning Environments for Children and Young People

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Child Development Models and Domains

Level 3 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning

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Providing Safe Environments for Children and Young People

Essential Skills in Application of Number

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Developing Relationships Within the School Community

Essential Skills in Communication where applicable.

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Schools and their Communities

18-21 Months Fully Funded

My learning journey was a holistic and supportive one, that truly contributed to my professional growth.

Daniel Murdoch Oldcastle Primary School, Bridgend

LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN DELIVERING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT WITHIN A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

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Leadership & Management Develop your leadership and management potential with one of our fully funded qualifications.

Our Leadership and Management qualifications aim to develop your skills in managing people, systems and processes. They will equip you with the knowledge, tools and techniques to enhance your competence and career as a leader and manager.

Leadership & Management Pathway

LEVEL 4

New and Aspiring Middle Managers

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

First Step into Management

New and Aspiring Team Leaders

OPERATIONAL

TEAM LEADING

OPERATIONAL

LEVEL 5

LEVEL 7

Practicing Managers and Senior Leaders

Senior Leaders Executive

STRATEGIC

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STRATEGIC

Leading you to where you want to be.

Who is this qualification for?

The Level 3 Diploma in Management includes both knowledge and competence units and is suitable for individuals who have some prior experience in a team leading or management job role. Although, this is not a formal requirement. This qualification will build and develop new skills to enhance their management career.

Qualification benefits For Individuals • Develop a comprehensive understanding of managerial expectations •

Effectively manage your team

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Gain a recognised qualification for your personal development

For Employers • Develop first-line managers with proven competence in the role •

Flexible choice of units – tailor this qualification to close skills gaps in your organisation

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include: • • • • •

Written work Professional discussion Question and answer Observation of performance Work related evidence

Cymraeg

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

Diploma Mandatory Units •

Manage Personal and Professional Development

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Manage Team Performance

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Principles of Leadership and Management

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Principles of People Management

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Principles of Business

Example Optional Units •

Manage Individuals’ Performance

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Develop and Implement an Operational Plan

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Develop Working Relationships With Stakeholders

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Develop a Presentation

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Deliver a Presentation

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Employee Rights and Responsibilities

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Encourage Learning and Development

APPRENTICESHIP - ILM LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT

ILM Level 3 Diploma in Management

Essential Skills Level 2 or 3 AON, Communication and Digital Literacy •

Method of Assessment: Controlled Tasks and Test

17 Months Fully Funded

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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - ILM LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ILM Level 4 Diploma in Leadership & Management Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for new and aspiring leaders and middle managers – really get to grips with the role, gain comprehensive business knowledge and develop the skills you need to lead and inspire others at this level.

Qualification benefits For Individuals • Develop the capabilities and personal awareness you need to lead, motivate and inspire others •

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For Employers •

Develop managers who are more effective, strategic, communicative, and capable of driving positive organisational outcomes

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A valuable personal development tool which provides clear benefits to those who want to self develop or want career progression

Develop managers who can assess and improve their own leadership styles and behaviours

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Flexible learning approach, working around you and your commitments

Develop middle managers with an advanced understanding of their role and function in your organisation

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Flexible choice of units – tailor this qualification to close skills gaps in your organisation

Accredit your experience with a nationally recognised qualification that is transferable across multiple professions

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include:

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Written work Professional discussion Question and answer Observation of performance Work related evidence

Diploma NVQ - Practical Element

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Understanding the Management Role to Improve Management Performance

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Develop and Implement a Operational Plan

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Provide Leadership and Management

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Managing Stress and Conflict in the Organisation

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Develop Working Relationships With Stakeholders

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Understanding and Developing Relationships in the Workplace

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Manage Personal and Professional Development

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Managing Improvement

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Developing Critical Thinking

(Up to 7 optional units also required) VRQ - Theoretical Element

Essential Skills Level 2 or 3 AON, Communication and Digital Literacy

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Managing and Implementing Change in the Workplace

Method of Assessment: Controlled Tasks and Test

17 Months Fully Funded

My learning experience with Portal has been really good. I've been impressed with the resources available and my assessor has supported me massively to maintain motivation and complete work.

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - ILM LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Cymraeg

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

Callum Davies Newport Live | Positive Futures

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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - ILM LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management Who is this qualification for?

This Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship programme is designed for practising managers, senior leaders and department heads. Develop your skills, knowledge and experience, improve your performance, gain strategic insight and prepare for senior leadership responsibilities.

Qualification benefits For Individuals • Develop the capabilities and personal awareness you need to lead, motivate and inspire others •

Develop and use core management techniques to drive better results

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Provide strategic leadership as well as day-to-day management

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Accredit your experience with a nationally recognised qualification that is transferable across multiple professions

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For Employers •

Encourage strategic thinking at this level of management, to foster business improvement

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Engage your middle managers with training and development – this qualification is designed to provide clear, measurable benefits to career-focused professionals

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Flexible choice of units in order to customise the qualification to the needs of your business

A valuable personal development tool which will benchmark your managerial skills and raise your profile in your organisation

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include:

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Written work Professional discussion Question and answer Observation of performance Work related evidence

Diploma NVQ - Practical Element

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Managing Improvement

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Managing Strategic Change

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Making a Financial Case

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Develop Business Processes

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Contribute to the Development of a Strategic Plan

Understanding the Management Role to Improve Management Performance

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Provide Leadership and Management

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Managing Stress and Conflict

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Managing Own Continued Professional Development

Up to 7 optional units also required VRQ - Theoretical Element •

Developing Critical Thinking

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Leading Innovation and Change

Essential Skills Level 2 or 3 AON, Communication and Digital Literacy •

Method of Assessment: Controlled Tasks and Test

21 Months Fully Funded

The support and flexible approach shown by the team at Portal is really helping to get the best out of my team.

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - ILM LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Cymraeg

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

Caroline Spanton Welsh Cycling

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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Level 4 Diploma in Project Management Who is this qualification for?

The Level 4 Diploma is designed for individuals aspiring to excel in various project management roles and achieve greater project success.

In a dynamic world that demands effectiveness and accountability, this diploma ensures you’re well-equipped to navigate the complexities of project delivery and contribute to impactful and valuable outcomes.

Qualification benefits For Individuals • Develop the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake a range of project management tasks in a range of business settings

For Employers • Develop skilled project managers, who will deliver complex projects more effectively

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Become a more effective communicator, ensuring greater understanding of project goals and expectations amongst teams and stakeholders

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Gain project managers who are more adept at identifying and managing risks, mitigating potential issues that could impact project outcomes

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An accredited qualification and valuable personal development tool with clear benefits to those who want to self develop or seeking career progression

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Encourage talent retention by providing opportunities for professional development through accredited qualifications

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Flexible learning approach, working around the individual and their commitments

How is the qualification assessed?

Mixed methods which could include:

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Written work Professional discussion Observation of performance Work related evidence

Diploma Mandatory Units

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Managing Project Contracts

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Principles of Project Management

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Managing Project Quality

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Project Stakeholder Management

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Managing Project Resources

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Project Communication

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Provide Leadership and Direction for own area of Responsibility

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Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work in own Area of Responsibility

Example Optional Units •

Managing Project Scope

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Business Case, Project Structure and Progress Monitoring

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Managing Project Schedule

Essential Skills Level 2 or 3 AON, Communication and Digital Literacy

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Managing Project Finances

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Managing Project Risk

Method of Assessment: Controlled Tasks and Test

24 Months Fully Funded

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP - LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

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Understanding our Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS AND LEVELS At Portal, we deliver a range of qualifications at levels 2 to 7, however this booklet specifically highlights our fully funded level 2 to 5 offering.

The following page contains a summary of our qualification areas and their educational equivalents.

All units within our qualifications are allocated a credit value. The number of credits you complete will determine whether the qualification you achieve is an Award, Certificate or Diploma.

Certificate

Number of credits required: 13–36 (Approx.)

Diploma

Number of credits required: 37+

Leading you to where you want to be.

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LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5

These qualifications are equivalent to:

We offer Level 2 qualifications in:

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Grades 1 CSEs • Grade A-C GCSE or O Levels • Foundation Apprenticeships

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These qualifications are equivalent to:

We offer Level 3 qualifications in:

AS/A Levels • Apprenticeships • International Baccalaureate Diploma •

These qualifications are equivalent to: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) • Higher National Certificate (HNC) •

These qualifications are equivalent to: • Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) • Foundation Degree • Higher National Diploma (HND)

Essential Skills Team Leading Skills • Leadership and Team Skills • Activity Leadership • Instructing Exercise & Fitness •

Leadership & Management • Coaching and Mentoring • Supporting Physical Education and School Sport • Personal Training •

We offer Level 4 qualifications in: • •

Leadership and Management Education and Training

We offer Level 5 qualifications in: • •

Leadership and Management Coaching and Mentoring

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Delivery, Funding & Eligibility

DELIVERY At Portal we understand the demands of modern work life. We know that your work commitments, project deliverables, and team responsibilities require careful balance. That’s why we’ve shaped a flexible learning approach that allows you to hone your skills without having to compromise your ongoing commitments.

WELSH MEDIUM Cymraeg

As a proud bilingual company, we offer Welsh delivery for the majority of our qualifications. Keep your eyes peeled for the red and white ‘Cymraeg’ speech icon throughout this booklet, which signifies the availability of Welsh delivery.

FULLY FUNDED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT

Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Welsh Government. The eligibility criteria for funding is explained further on the next page.

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ELIGIBILITY For the apprenticeship programmes outlined within this booklet, applicants must meet the following Welsh Government eligibility; Individuals must: • Have the right to work in the UK • Have a contract of employment for at least 16 hours a week • Not be enrolled on any other Welsh Government funded programme • Not hold a degree in the same area of study as the apprenticeship programme

Essential Skills Depending on the chosen programme, some or all of the following Essential Skills courses are required or will need to be completed: • Level 1, 2 or 3 Application of Number • Level 1, 2 or 3 Communication • Level 2 or 3 Digital Literacy

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Partnerships & Endorsements WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH We have been extremely fortunate to have worked with great establishments from the sports and third sector:

Swansea City FC

Welsh Cycling

Disability Sport Wales

Cardiff Rugby

Cardiff City FC

Table Tennis Wales

Cricket Wales

FAW

Sport Wales

Newport County AFC

PARTNERS

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The support we've received from Portal has been invaluable, and I'm optimistic that our investment in developing future leaders through this platform will yield significant rewards for Cricket Wales in the long run.

Mark White Cricket Wales | Criced Cymru

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How to Apply To take the next step in your professional development journey and request more information or schedule an information session with our Sports Relations Lead/ Relations Team Leader.

CONTACT: Shawn Staples Sports Relations Lead/Relations Team Leader 07706 330206 shawn.staples@portaltraining.co.uk Or if you have a general enquiry please get in touch: info@portaltraining.co.uk 029 2240 2597

Portal also offer an extensive range of bespoke short courses, designed to address diverse professional development requirements across industries.

Speak to our team today and discover how course content and delivery can be tailored to ensure alignment with your organisation’s goals and ojectives..

Whatever your training needs, we can create a solution that works for you.

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Access our digital brochures over on ISSUU:

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Leading you to where you want to be.

@PortalTraining /PortalTrainingUK portaltraining.co.uk