>> BEN WILLSHIRE - Technical Certificate Plumbing

Why this course?

After being released by Bristol Rovers he felt it was time to learn a trade whilst still playing football at a semi-professional level. He chose a career in plumbing as Filton College offered a 12-week intensive level 2 NVQ course which meant that he could be earning a living a lot quicker.

Previous courses/studies

Ben is 20 years old and played for Bristol Rovers for 11 years and was part of Filton College's Football Development Centre for three years under Tony Ricketts.

What they are enjoying about the course

The level 2 technical certificate is very challenging but once you get involved in the practical work you really enjoy it and you can be quite surprised with the results that you attain.

What do they like about the College?

The supportive nature of the staff.

What next?

In the long term he would like to become CORGI registered through Filton College's Gas Department and start his own business.

>> NEIL GOULD - Intermediate Construction Award Bricklaying

Why this course?

I have always had an interest in construction and the 3 month intensive programme suited my needs.

Previous courses/studies

Worked for Mardon Flexible Packaging as a printer.

What they are enjoying about the course?

The staff and students have been a pleasure to work with and I have learnt so much in such a short time.

What do they like about the College?

The dedication and commitment of tutors.

What next?

I was told by one of my tutors that Bamboo Garden Design were looking to expand and would like to meet students on the bricklaying programme who were interested in landscaping careers. I was offered a position with Bamboo. With the skills I have gained, am sure I will put these to great use.

>> Bristol Rugby Players try their touch with Gas Courses

Success on and off the pitch has been gained by a number of first team players of Bristol Rugby as they have been securing their futures and focusing on careers after they leave the sport. Filton College has successfully been working with players from Bristol Rugby Club for the last three years where they have been receiving training in construction and gas programmes at the College.

John Milkins, Manager of the Gas Training Centre at the College comments. 'In the first year, the players were studying construction courses, but following their promotion to the Premiership we needed to find programmes that would work around their increased playing demands. The course that the players studied was the Intermediate Certifi cate in Gas. In addition they are also currently studying a Part P Electrical programme which will give them an electrical qualifi cation to supplement their gas training and on completion they will have genuine career prospects within this vibrant industry'.

The successful rugby players who have joined the College's training schemes have included Darren Crompton, Roy Winters and Craig Short. Darren Crompton, Prop Forward for Bristol Rugby, made the initial contact with Filton College over three years ago, as he and other players wished to study carpentry and construction. Once dialogue started, the opportunities for the whole squad became clear and over twelve players have enrolled and graduated in Construction.

“Following the construction training we received we were encouraged by our tutors to follow more industry disciplines to increase our professional portfolio. The Intermediate Gas Certificate – which we studied on a part-time basis – was a great opportunity for us to get qualified and have a second career to fall back on when we eventually retire from the sport. I'd recommend training for a second career to any professional sportsman or woman,” commented Darren Crompton.

John Milkins commented, “We are really surprised with the level of enthusiasm shown by the players, especially when you consider their busy routine in the Rugby Premiership. The players are a real delight to teach and we look forward to their attendance each week. The team-work and determination they show on the pitch is replicated in the classroom, this is a group of individuals who will be a credit to the industry.”