Release Date: 17/08/2010

Author: By Newry City FC

WE at Newry City FC believe the Newry City Community Trust – Flagship project can bridge the gap between a growing number of school leavers with the potential to gain higher qualifications and the skills shortage we face in Northern Ireland.

In football terms we can deliver a performance specific development programme to hugely improve the potential of young players and therefore increase the possibilities of developing elite footballers.

In addition, the Southern Regional College (SRC) and its proven high standards of delivery and support can enhance both the opportunities and attainment of young sportsmen providing the apprentices with improved chances to enter the workplace.

One initiative to combine further education with industry skills training is the Programme –led Apprenticeship (PLA) promoted and funded through the Department for Employment and Learning as a strategic intervention due to the recession.

It is acknowledged that the present economic situation has made it increasingly difficult for would-be apprentices to find paid-for employment whilst completing their training. The (PLA) initiative offers an amazing opportunity for this Club to further its development of athletes and provide our young players better employment prospects.

Newry City Community Trust PLA will give 16 and 17 year old school leavers the opportunity to gain a full apprenticeship qualification in a chosen skill area. They will access this through a combination of simulated off - the - job training and time spent with an employer on a work placement, of one to three days per week.

Delivery

PROGRAMME CONTENT

September 2010 YEAR 1 - PLA - Level 2

·          21 hrs over 3 or 4 days + 1-3 day work placement

·          Achieve or work towards achieving Technical Certificate – Level 2 (to include a good quality and relevant industry related skills training) such as coaching qualifications or Fitness instructor certificates

·          Achieve Essential Skills – required by the apprenticeship framework (GCSE Grades of below D in English, maths)

·          Work towards achievement of NVQ Level 2 Sport and Leisure

·          Undertake a programme of Employability, Enterprise and Careers Education Tuition

September 2011 YEAR 2 – PLA (with opportunities to progress to level 3)

·          Up to 4 week assessment for new starts

·          21 hrs + 1-3 day work placement

·          Achieve by week 78 a Technical Certificate – Level 2 (to include a good quality and level of industry related skills training)

·          Start Technical Certificate – Level 3 (such Active IQ Level 3 Fitness Instructor)

·          Achieve NVQ - Level 2 by week 104 Sport and Leisure

·          Achieve Essential Skills –  (GCSE Grades of below D in English, maths)

·          Undertake a programme of Employability, Enterprise and Careers Education Tuition

Opportunity to progress to Employer – Led Apprenticeship (ELA) This is when Newry City Community Trust and Newry City FC may employ the apprentices either as players, coaches or in another capacity with the organisations, such as marketing or community development.

Aims

Enrolling prior to Commencement in September 2010, twelve to fourteen participants from the South Eastern Library Board (SELB) area, the Newry City Community Trust PLA will, with SRC as the lead education partner, offer a programme of education related to sport and recreation, health and fitness and, where necessary, essential skills.

Newry City FC will provide sports specific coaching and industry related training both theoretical and practical.

The PLA will enhance the performance of the participants as players and coaches of Association Football and educate to Vocational Qualification (VQ) level 2 (see PLA operational guidelines) – www.delni.gov.uk

The participants will understand the management and operational structures of Newry City FC and internal training, Club coaching philosophy and performance targets. We aim, together, to realise opportunities for employment or progression to Employer-led Apprenticeships.    

Courses (guide only)

1^st 4 Sport Apprenticeship in Active Leisure, learning and well being

Sports Leaders Award Level 1&2                                                                        

Club and Community Development Capacity Building

Newry City FC - internal training, Club coaching philosophy and performance targets.

FAQ’s

Q. Will parents lose child Benefit payments?

A. No

Q. What are the benefits to a student?

A. Improve as a Player, continued education and better job prospects.

Q. Is EMA means tested?

A. No

Q. How much football will participants receive?

A. Between 8 -11 hours per week

For more information contact Newry City FC on 028 30825648 or email: info@newrycityfc.com

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