NPTC Group of Colleges partnered up with the Welsh Rugby Players Association and the Ospreys to offer construction taster sessions to a group of professional rugby players.
Staff at Neath College’s construction centre delivered sessions to current members of the Ospreys squad, including Alumni members Adam Beard, Reuben Morgan-Williams and James King.
The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) is a not for profit trade association that represents the collective voice of rugby players in Wales. Their Personal Development Programme assists players in achieving a sporting/lifestyle balance during their careers and encourages them to maximise the opportunities that are open to them as professional rugby players.
In doing so, it ultimately makes the transition out of their professional playing career and into future employment as smooth as possible.
The Ospreys players started the day with a taste of bricklaying and by the end of the session had laid and pointed a wall. Next up was plastering, where they learned the basics of rendering and screening, and finally an introduction to carpentry.
Ospreys and Wales player Adam Beard said: “It was good to be out of our comfort zone, learning new skills and trades because life after rugby is a serious consideration for all professional players”.
Bryan Shenton, Deputy Head of School – Construction and the Built Environment echoed the sentiment: “It’s great to be working in partnership with the WRPA and Ospreys to help develop players for life rugby. Having played at a high level myself, I understand the challenges faced by players as they embark on the next stage of their careers. I think the guys showed some real skill here today, and I wish them well for whatever the future holds”.
We offer a range of full-time and part-time construction courses.
Pic Caption: Ospreys squad members learning the basics of plastering at Neath College.
