FAQs
How do I apply?
The clubs seek to recruit the very best players in their catchment area and a place on the apprenticeship scheme is offered to elite players who demonstrate high levels of performance. Any prospective apprentice can access information about the apprenticeship from the clubs and education providers listed in the ‘Contact’ section.
What do you mean by the term 'Framework'?
The Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence is a combination of four areas of work which are completed over a two year period: work based experience (the Rugby Development Programme), work based learning (the NVQ), academic education (the Technical Certificate), and Key Skills (Communication; Application of Number) each providing information to the others.
What is an NVQ?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a vocational competence-based qualification which means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively and show competency in an area of work/employment.
What is a Coach-Assessor / AASE Co-ordinator?
A Coach-Assessor / AASE Co-ordinator is someone who will provide you with assistance throughout your NVQ. Their role is to provide support to Apprentices and guide them through the NVQ assessment process. They will judge the evidence of each Apprentice’s performance, knowledge and understanding and make decisions on whether they have demonstrated competence against the standards in order to achieve the NVQ.
What is a Technical Certificate?
A Technical Certificate is a qualification (academic or vocational), which is part of the framework. It provides knowledge which underpins the NVQ and allows the Apprentice to understand concepts relevant to professional sports.
What are Key Skills?
Key skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education, training, work and life in general, for example, basic mathematical and communication skills.
Do I have to undertake Key Skills them?
You will have to undertake the Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication as part of the AASE. You will be exempt from these qualifications if you attain GCSE's grades A* - C in Maths, English or English Literature, General Studies.
Can I go to any school/college I wish to?
The concept of the apprenticeship is that those on it play, work, train and get educated together. For this purpose, each club/academy involved has found an education provider as a partner. These partners have been given the approval of the RFU.
I have a good Academic Profile and am expecting good GCSE results, can I do A Levels?
Not all AS/A2 levels will provide underpinning knowledge towards the NVQ and you should consult the Club’s AASE Co-ordinator on this subject.
Can I live in digs?
Where it is unreasonable for an Apprentice to travel to the Club from home, lodgings may be recommended by the College / Club which are in keeping with those required by a professional sportsman.
We want our son to stay at home even though we live 3 hours drive away from the club, what happens in this circumstance?
Travelling long distances to and from training and matches could cause a number of problems such as fatigue which affected playing performance and learning, punctuality and attendance issues.
What if I have a long-term injury?
If you have a long term injury you will be entitled to an extension to your agreement to ensure that you do not lose out on your Rugby Development Programme.
Can my son sign a professional contract?
Yes, as of his 18th birthday he would be able to sign a professional contract.
Does he still have to continue with his education?
He would still have to continue with his education programme through to completion. It is imperative that he works hard on his academic qualifications to give him a pathway into a secondary career as a contingency plan.
Each club and college will have their own rules and regulations. These will be covered by Club / College induction.
An agent has phoned us up, is it a good idea for my son to sign with him?
The RFU would advise that before signing with an agent you discuss this with a representative of the PRA or the Coach-Assessor / AASE Co-ordinator / Academy Manager who will be able to advise you and your son on the benefits or otherwise of signing with an agent.
