Gary Little, Gloucester Rugby Club's community manager, said: 'Our new apprenticeship scheme gives give young people who want a career in the sports industry the chance to work with us on a variety of community-based initiatives, such as our school grassroots coaching and health and education programmes. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain a real understanding of what it takes to work within a professional sporting environment. As well as coaching and the schools- based educational programmes, our apprentices will gain experience working with our sales and marketing team, be involved behind the scenes on match days and gain practical skills in grounds maintenance."
The apprenticeship programme has been supported by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Last year NAS saw the number of young people undertaking an apprenticeship increased nationally by more than ten per cent.
Richard Graham MP, who went along to Kingsholm to meet the apprentices, said, '"Typically far sighted of Gloucester Rugby to see the importance of apprenticeships in our city - their belief in our city does not stop at the edge of Kingsholm. I was delighted to meet these young men and am confident they'll be great role models back at their schools and communities."
Tom Beasley from Stroud College's business training team said: "Sport and leisure covers a wide variety of career opportunities and is very competitive, so it's great to see Gloucester Rugby Club investing in the skills they need for the future. Apprenticeships represent a great opportunity for employers to recruit and develop new talent, and are a vital part of the government's national campaign to support young people into employment."
Stroud College is a major provider of apprenticeships throughout Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties, working with more than 2000 businesses. The college recently launched its own business-to-business website www.coursesforbusinesstraining.co.ukand this year became a Gloucester Rugby Club sponsor
