If school or college isn't the right thing, Gloucester Rugby's HITZ education programme offers an alternative for 16-18-year-olds.

HITZ is Premiership Rugby's award-winning education and employability programme, delivered nationally by England's 12 professional rugby clubs, working with over 2,000 young people across England every year.

HITZ uses rugby's core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship to get young people not in education, training or employment (NEET) back into education, training, apprenticeships and/ or employment.

Gloucester Rugby Foundation delivers the HITZ programme across Gloucestershire in partnership with SCL Education & Training. SCL has more than 15 years' experience in delivering a range of forward-thinking and successful education and sports development programmes for young adults.

The HITZ Learning Academy, offers a relaxed environment targeted at helping young people to improve their functional maths and English, develop valuable life skills and gain important qualifications, alongside experience from work placements and employer-led sessions.

The programme also offers essential enrichment and sporting activities which support the development of the whole individual, improving their mental and physical wellbeing.

The programme delivers a 15-week traineeship, with three separate cohorts throughout the year (in September, January and April).

HITZ offers a Sport and Active Leisure qualification and an increase in functional skills accredited up to a level 2 (GCSE equivalent). It includes:

• Effective work experience

• Tailor-made personal development and progression planning

• Exciting and engaging enrichment opportunities

• Food and travel allowance and support through bursaries

• Holistic development

• The chance to develop skills and build confidence

• The opportunity to make new friends

• A relaxed and supportive learning environment based at Gloucester Rugby

• Information, advice and guidance

• Personal social development

Find out more and book a trial here.