.@CAVC and Welsh Rugby Players Association join forces to maximise opportunities for former players

Cardiff and Vale College has entered into a partnership with the Welsh Rugby Players Association in order to provide a package of support for players as part of their personal development.

The WRPA represents rugby players to ensure their best interests are protected. Part of this includes a player led personal development programme to help players achieve a balance between sport and lifestyle, aiming to make the transition from a professional playing career into future employment as smooth as possible.

Cardiff and Vale College will work with the WRPA to provide players with access to its ever-expanding portfolio of vocational and academic courses. This will help players at all stages of their playing careers find the right education and training to help them meet their career aspirations.

CAVC Principal Kay Martin said: “At Cardiff and Vale College we are strong supporters of rugby at all levels. Our Rugby Academy supports emerging talent while ensuring players achieve academically, and now this new partnership will allow us to help from the other end of the scale.

“We are deligted to be working with the Welsh Rugby Players Association. It is vital that rugby players can meet their career aspirations once their professional careers come to an end, either through age or injury. The College’s wide range of courses and support options will be able to help them do just that.”

WRPA CEO Andries Pretorius said: “The WRPA is commited to encourage players to not only consider life after rugby, but rather life beyond rugby. This ensures players current circumstances and aspirations are assessed and aligned with their future ambitions and with over 250 members it is vitaly important for us to consider the ambitions of each of our members individually and proactively support them in developing a wide array of skillsets that benefit them beyond the sporting landscape. “

“I believe Cardiff and Vale Colleges’ aspirations to be world class in all they do closely aligns with the ambitions of the Welsh Rugby Players Association which makes for a great partnership as we learn from and support each other in leading the way in our respective fields. I believe our members will greatly benefit from this partnership and we are delighted to be working with such a forward thinking organisation.”

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Notes to Editors

• Photo shows the WRPA with CAVC Principal Kay Martin and CAVC Dean of Services to People Debbie Jones
• In 2017 CAVC won the prestigious UK-wide Association of Colleges Beacon Award for its innovative and sector leading junior apprenticeship scheme and in 2016 it won a Beacon award for apprenticeship provision
• Cardiff and Vale College is one of the top companies for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the National Centre for Diversity’s 2016 Top 100 Index. It was also awarded the National Centre for Diversity’s Award for Welsh FE College of the Year 2016
• Cardiff and Vale College was awarded College of the Year at the 2015 and 2016 Insider Business and Education Partnership Awards
• Why not follow the latest updates from Cardiff and Vale College on LinkedIn: CardiffandValeCollege or Twitter: @CAVCEmployers