Earlier in the year, over the course of six weeks, Bath College facilitated a ‘Home Improvements’ Course for current and former rugby players at Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears.

Hosted at the impressive and purpose-built Somer Valley campus in Radstock, the players were provided with the basic skills and techniques in bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and stone masonry. Some have already taken these skills into their own homes and projects, where others have expressed an interest in taken on the courses more formally. The players learnt about different trades and skills and roles within that trade, as well as earning potential for transitioning into life after rugby.

Course Tutor Charles Goodman said: "It was a great pleasure to welcome the players to Bath College. Their relaxed good humour and positive mental attitude made sharing some of the many skills taught here a delight."

Bath Rugby player Richard De Carpenter commented: "I massively enjoyed the home improvement course. Charles allowed us to have a go at many new skills ranging from bricklaying to general plumbing around the house that would be extremely useful in the future.

Bath College created a learning environment perfect for us rugby players to develop a skill in an evening at our own pace. Charles was extremely knowledgeable and calm, and I also enjoyed the variety of skills, over the six weeks, that we got to have a go at."

Matt Leek, RPA Senior Development Manager for Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears added: "The course has been brilliant, many thanks to Bath College for providing this for our players. It has taken some of the players out of their comfort zone but also provided them with some holistic skills that can be used outside of rugby.

I know the course has also helped on a wellbeing side too, being able to switch off and share a conversation away from the day job is really important and it’s also really encouraging to see players exploring different career pathways. Having some alumni members on the course allowed this peer-to-peer support to embed and flourish."