One year on from launching the Pakuranga United Rugby apprenticeship programme, seven club players have successfully been placed into new roles and apprenticeships in the local community.
Leveraging on the large network of trades and companies associated with the club, the apprenticeship programme launched at the end of 2021 with the aim of extending the support that the club provides school leavers beyond their time on the rugby field.
Two players involved in the initiative, Alapati Brown and Bray Thivichith-Horea, both played in the Under 21 grade for Pakuranga this year and enquired about the programme while looking for a career.
The club was able to support a relationship with IDAC and Access Solutions respectively to confirm new roles for the players.
Pakuranga president and director of Access Solutions Michael Biddick added that the success of the initiative goes both ways.
“Supporting community members in finding a career, while being involved in their development as an athlete is a win-win for both parties,” he says.
Brown says IDAC director and Pakuranga stalwart Jim Cavanagh has taken a genuine interest in him, both on and off the field which makes for an enjoyable workplace environment.
The programme is open to all athletes who play in any of the various sports that sit under the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre umbrella – rugby, netball, American football, baseball, badminton or touch rugby.
If you’re interested or would like more information, contact operationsmanager@purc.co.nz.
