On May 16 the French Rugby Federation and the Blanquefort CFA (Public works and construction training program) signed an agreement to offer young people the opportunity to improve their professional level rugby skills and learn about careers in construction.

 

Headed by Marcel Malmartel, Secretary General of the Committee for Consultation and Co-ordination of Public works training (CCCA - BTP), the French Rugby Federation and the Association of Regions of France, this new program is designed to attract young people to the CFA by combining sports and learning a trade. The classical curriculum of 450 hours is mixed with 110 hours of sports training.  Two modules are spread out over 13 weeks:
- Self-improvement: allows participants to work on their mental and physical condition by improving nutrition and following a healthy lifestyle.
- Physical training with technical regulations and strategies of the game

The training is reserved for those who already play rugby on a team.

 

This experiment has three advantages: first, playing sports attracts young people to the program in order to learn a trade. It also offers them the opportunity to develop valuable skills of teamwork and strength, increasing the chances of future employment.  Finally it trains people in the many careers in construction, which is much needed today.

 

The Secretary General of the CCCA BTP is proud to say, "We train people for the job market, but also teach them how to be citizens.  That's what this project aims to develop all over France."

 

It is a fine example of the many parts of life that can be improved through training: sports, business and society.