Posted on 11/06/19 in
Life after the Titans
Backed by the NSW Business Chamber, Apprenticeship Support Australia has successfully paved the way for Gold Coast Titans teenage sensations Kea Pere and Darius Farmer to undertake a Certificate III in Carpentry with the Benedictus Group Pty Ltd, a leading building and construction management company on the Gold Coast.
Kea and Darius recognise that a career in NRL cannot last forever and the rhythm of your life changes after hanging up your boots. This is where the Queensland Government’s program, Elite Sportsperson Apprenticeship & Traineeship (ESAT) has filled the gap. The program aims to support elite athletes, who have long training hours and many sporting commitments, into apprenticeship training opportunities with companies that understand and can work around their sporting responsibilities.
Both Kea and Darius are thrilled to be part of this program. As indicated by Darius, “I am excited to be undertaking a Carpentry Apprenticeship so I have something to fall back on after I finish pursuing my professional rugby league career with the Gold Coast Titans. It is great that I have the option to undertake the apprenticeship under a flexible arrangement so I can have a dual career. I’d like to thank Benedictus Homes for the opportunity and I look forward to working with the organisation throughout the duration of my apprenticeship.”
This is supported by Kea Pere as he acknowledges, “I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to fulfil my career goal of being an apprentice carpenter and thankful for Benedictus Homes supporting me whilst I undertake my other career path of becoming a professional rugby league player.”
Apprenticeship Support Australia’s Queensland Manager, Margie Bradbury, has observed the need for elite sportspeople to continue with their training and representative commitments, while looking for broader opportunities to secure their future.
“The (ESAT) program is a way for elite sportspeople to continue on the path they love and enjoy a sport they are dedicated to, whilst exploring new opportunities to secure their future after life on the football field”, Ms Bradbury said.
Jacky Casey and Benjamin Robinson, Directors at Benedictus Group are very excited to be associated with the newly found ESAT program and with the Gold Coast Titans and ASA. They explained, “It is a great initiative from the QLD Department of Education, Employment and Training. Not only does it offer flexibility for Kea and Darius to continue pursuing their ambitions playing in the NRL, but also gives them a back-up plan for life after footy. A part time schedule with the Benedictus Group and with continued support from ASA and Building Industry Training, we believe this program will be a success. We are very proud to be supporting the next generation of talent.