The BEARS WAY Performance Development Apprenticeship Programme is a great avenue for players to undertake formal training to enhance their knowledge, skills and behaviours while starting their professional rugby playing career. Players are provided with an opportunity to attain a formal qualification as a Sporting Excellence Professional by combining theoretical learning with on-the-job development.
The Apprenticeship is typically completed in 12 months (1 season). The delivery of the learning will be a mix of on-the-job development, classroom-based learning, and online sessions.
The aim of the Apprenticeship programme is to produce graduates who are competent to perform consistently and effectively in training environments and competition. As such, players will be part of a playing team supported and managed by a wider multi-disciplinary team including a manager/coach, skills coaches, physiotherapists, psychologist, nutritionist, strength and conditioning expert, and educational staff.
The majority of learning will take place during the day-to-day work of the athlete. APEC in conjunction with the Bear’s wider multi-disciplinary team will provide guidance and structure to shape learning, reflection, and development through the necessary knowledge skills and behaviours needed to graduate. Alongside sport-specific development, learners will also receive external training in essential disciplines related to sporting performance.