HITZ Programme
The award-winning HITZ programme
HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s award-winning education and employability programme which works with over 2,000 14-18 year-olds 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, and is delivered nationally by England’s 12 professional rugby clubs.
Our core offer, the HITZ Learning Academy, offers a relaxed environment targeted at 16-18 year olds 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 supports the development of the whole individual through not only improving their mental but physical wellbeing as well.
Participants in the HITZ programme regularly report an increase in resilience, self-confidence and aspiration as a result of their involvement, and over 70% go on to achieve a positive progression into further education, training or employment.
HITZ is funded by partners Land Rover, Comic Relief and Wooden Spoon.
Exeter Rugby HITZ Programme is an education and sporting programme for 16-18 year olds where you can:
• Play a range of sports while having fun and making new friends
• Achieve Nationally-recognised qualifications in Sport and Active Leisure or Employability Skills
• Get fit and learn about health and nutrition
• Improve communication skills and confidence
• Receive support to increase literacy and numeracy skills
• Learn work preparation skills & experience to improve employability
ENRICHMENT: Team building, Strength training, Cross Fit, Multi Sports, yoga, trampolining and climbing.
START DATE: 1st intake in September, 2nd intake in February.
EXIT ROUTES: Level 3 programmes, apprenticeship programmes and full time or part time work.
Education
The BTEC-based education programme is delivered by our education providers, SCL, an approved BTEC centre. Exeter Chiefs will deliver the HITZ Learning Academy in partnership with SCL
Students will study a variety of nationally-recognised qualifications within sport, coaching and fitness managed by SCL.
Where required students will study Maths and English GCSE or Functional Skills.
SCL Education Group is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of education through sport.
• Government approved post-16 private education provider
• Experts in the field of sport and education delivery with over 15 years' experience
• Nationally recognised for high quality advice and guidance
• Programmes delivered in real sports environments Proven
• Progression routes
HITZ Officer - Gareth Williams
Hello, my name is Gareth Williams and I am the Officer for the Exeter Chiefs HITZ programme. I have had eight years working in education and nineteen years pursuing my passion for coaching. I am a level 3 Rugby Coach with a keen interest in Dog Psychology and I love to dance. I've enjoyed playing rugby this season at Topsham RFC, where a number of our students have joined me. I am incredibly proud to be part of the HITZ Family and I'm looking forward to welcoming more students on to the programme.
Telephone: 07803 846191
E-mail: garethwilliams@exeterchiefs.co.uk
HITZ Tutor - Lewis Griffiths
Hello, my name is Lewis Griffiths and I am the tutor for the Exeter Chiefs HITZ programme. I have been the tutor here for three years and I absolutely love the programme. I wholeheartedly believe the programme can change lives and re-engage young people. Outside of HITZ I enjoy playing a number of different sports and keeping fit. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I am trying to learn a new language.