Andrew Jibson, Assistant Academy Manager at Sale Sharks Rugby Club, shares how a strong partnership with COPA is developing a skilled workforce through hands-on learning.
Building a Strong Partnership
Sale Sharks has been working with COPA for 18 months to build a successful apprenticeship programme. Andrew notes that apprenticeships offer a blended learning option that perfectly suits both the individual learner and the demands of the business. The programme has already allowed staff to develop valuable new skills that help them grow alongside the club.
Driving the Business and Sport Forward
Looking ahead, Andrew sees apprentices as a valuable and highly deployable workforce that helps meet the needs of a modern, lean business. When asked if he would recommend apprenticeships to other organisations, Andrew says:
“Yes. A good apprentice doesn’t sit on the sideline reading a textbook until they are qualified. Practical people need to be in the real environment to enjoy a more meaningful learning experience and accelerate their development.”
Special Thanks
The integration of this programme has been a true team effort. Sale Sharks would like to give a special mention to Alan Reddin and Mike Crouch at COPA. Both have taken the time to truly understand what the club needs, working flexibly within the apprenticeship frameworks to provide the best possible support for both the business and its learners.
Want to upskill your team?
Discover how our tailored apprenticeship frameworks can drive your business forward. Contact the COPA team today to explore our fully supported training programmes.
