Groundbreaking venture for sports students

Groundbreaking venture for sports students with Counties Manukau Rugby

Twenty sport students will be given the unique chance to complete their year-long MIT Diploma in Applied Sport and Recreation (Level 5) with hands on experience at the home of the Ranfurly Shield - Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union (CMRFU).

Applications are now open for the programme through Corporate Academy Group (www.corpgroup.co.nz) or contact CMRFU Rugby Development Officer, Jeremy Wara (jeremy.wara@steelers.co.nz). The Programme will see students help run coaching,and refereeing trainings, tournaments and gain experience in event management.

This unique groundbreaking venture between Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT) School of Sport, CMRFU and Corporate Academy Group (CAG) will provide students with the opportunity to work towards a tertiary qualification while gaining practical, valuable industry experience based at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe.

Following the completion of their Diploma, students have the option of continuing their studies to complete a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at MIT.

Project and Business Development Coordinator for MIT’s School of Sport, Francisco Serrano says “The students will gain more than an education by being in a professional environment all year because they will be immersed in their practicum in the rugby industry while they study.”

“If they wish to continue their studies following the Diploma they will have the option to enter our Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science or they will be entering the workforce with richer CVs from their hands-on experience throughout the year,” he says.

“This qualification will provide an excellent transition into rugby focused careers and could open the door to international opportunities as rugby in New Zealand is an export product.”

The content for the programme will be taught so it creates pathways into multiple sports-orientated careers including sports coordinator, recreation programmer, coaching coordinator, sports administrator, event manager, sport development officer, regional sport trust administrator, personal trainer or a small business entrepreneur.

Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union CEO Andrew Maddock says “We know that there are a number of pathways and potential careers that a course like this one can create.”

“The sports industry is a dynamic and growing sector that is always looking for young passionate people,” he says.

“We’ll give them exposure to quality practising professionals in our sector and present them with an avenue for exciting real-life opportunities.”

CAG is a registered and accredited Private Training Establishment (PTE) with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) who will deliver the project under licensing from MIT.

Director of Corporate Academy Group Christine Clark says “I cannot stress enough how exciting and unique this collaboration of the three organisations is, with each providing a strength to benefit the student.”

“We hope to see this innovative partnership extend internationally by 2015 allowing sports students around the world the chance to study rugby through this programme,” she says.

“This is a fabulous opportunity that we hope will evolve into even more offerings for our students.”

Students interested can apply at:
Corporate Academy Group
98 Kerrs Road, Wiri, Auckland

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