Bristol Bears invest in apprenticeships by partnering with Ignite Training
Posted on: 18th Mar 2025
Apprenticeships 
Premiership rugby club Bristol Bears has partnered with Ignite Training to support the professional development of its players and coaches by delivering apprenticeships.
The club is providing three apprenticeship standards from Level 3 to Level 5 as part of its commitment to increasing workplace opportunities for players when the time comes to hang up their boots.
Prop Yann Thomas and second-row Josh Caulfield are among those to combine playing in rugby’s top flight with studying an apprenticeship. Both players have enrolled onto Ignite’s Level 4 Sports Coach programme – the equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Team Manager Jack Targett is another to begin an apprenticeship, he’s studying Ignite’s Level 5 Operations Manager qualification. The course teaches learners how to effectively create and deliver plans and projects while managing teams and change with confidence plus financial and resource management.
Education is delivered each fortnight either in person or via Zoom and fits around learners’ existing commitments, including training and matchdays. Players in Bears’ academy have also signed up to begin an apprenticeship to create opportunities for themselves should a career as a player not materialise.
John Barnes, Head of Academy at Bristol Bears, said benefits of the club providing apprenticeships to its players and coaching staff are two-fold.
“The career of every professional athlete has a short lifespan,” said John. “Contract renewals and injuries mean only a limited number of players will continue playing beyond 35.
“In our view, clubs have a responsibility to supporting the livelihoods of players in retirement and apprenticeships are our way of ensuring they can enjoy a fulfilling career after hanging up their boots.
“The formation of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has enhanced the support players can access during their careers so they can transition smoothly into a job in retirement.
“Most players will now be encouraged to study or develop job-specific skills during their career, which is why we’ve partnered with Ignite Training to provide apprenticeships to those who want to gain a qualification.
“It means we as a club can provide new opportunities to players, who in turn benefit by developing their skills and knowledge of a topic which interests them.”
The Bears are the latest professional sports club to partner with Ignite Training, with others including Premier League team West Ham and Championship club Queens Park Rangers plus Notts County, Solihull Moors and Birmingham City FC Foundation.
Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, skills and experience levels, with many of Ignite’s present UK apprentices aged 50 and older.
Justin Merritt, CEO and founder of Ignite Training, said apprenticeships provide the key for clubs that wish to support players in sourcing appropriate work when their playing careers end.
“We are delighted to be working with Bristol Bears and their staff to support talent development,” said Justin. “The club has implemented a well-structured approach to the use of the apprenticeship levy and are supporting players at both ends of the playing cycle as well as the wider support staff.”
Further information about Ignite Training and its apprenticeship standards is available online via www.ignitetraining.co.uk
