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The world of sports offers a wide array of employment opportunities, particularly in the field of artisan development. These roles are essential in ensuring that the sporting infrastructure, from stadiums to training facilities, is built and maintained to the highest standards. Young people looking to enter this industry can find numerous pathways through learning programmes and experiential learning opportunities.

Artisan skills have become scarce skills in South Africa with the average age of a tradesman being 58 to 60 years old. The demand for tradesmen and women can be seen in the general infrastructure collapse of South Africa and a few generations of future skills tradesmen being lost to preference to University qualification etc. 

The truth it that with a trade qualification in hand a sportsman- or woman’s future  jobs are guaranteed nationally and internationally. 

 This article explores the various avenues for artisans in sports and highlights the importance of skills development in this vibrant sector.

Key Takeaways

• The sports industry offers significant employment opportunities for artisan learners, sport stadiums, gymnasiums, schools etc to name a few. 
• TVET colleges and PRIVATE Artisan trade education providers  provide essential education and training for aspiring artisans.
• Project management and communication skills are critical for success in this field.

Introduction to Artisan Development in Sports

In the sports sector, artisan development is essential, especially in nations like South Africa where TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges are important. These establishments provide practical experience and possibilities for experiential learning, equipping students for issues they will face in the real world.

However, few TVET Colleges offer sport opportunities for a learner during a three year study period. 

UXi International Rugby Institutes give learners the platform to gain practical experience during their studies and within a athletic development high performance environment. 

The Role of TVET Colleges

Hands-on Experience and Experiential Learning

The purpose of TVET colleges is to give youth the real-world skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. Many learning programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application are available at these colleges. By using this method, students are guaranteed to be knowledgeable about their field and ready for the demands of the labour market.

Trade Test Centres

Trade test centres play a crucial role in the skills development act in South Africa. These centres evaluate prospective artisans’ skills to make sure they fulfil the requirements set forth by the country. For any craftsperson, passing the trade exam is a big accomplishment because it attests to their abilities and provides them with a lot of job options in the sports sector.

The Importance of Project Management

Building and Maintaining Sporting Facilities

In the sports industry, project management is a vital skill for craftspeople. Whether building a brand-new stadium or renovating an existing one, efficient project management guarantees that tasks are finished on schedule, on budget, and to the highest possible standards.

Team Members and Communication Skills

Working with a diverse team of professionals is a common part of working in the sports industry. To make sure that everyone in the team is on the same page and that projects go smoothly, communication skills are crucial. This is especially crucial in a hectic work setting where effective communication can mean the difference between success and failure..

Learning Platforms and Management Systems

Learning Management Systems

The training and education of artisans is greatly aided by the use of contemporary learning management systems (LMS). These platforms offer easily accessible and adaptable learning experiences that can be customised to meet the specific requirements of each student. A good learning management system (LMS) can improve the educational process and help students gain the competencies they need to succeed.

Real World Application

The capacity to replicate real-world situations is among the learning management system’s most important benefits. Students benefit greatly from this practical experience because it enables them to apply their knowledge in a safe setting prior to entering the workforce.

Employment Opportunities for Qualified Artisans

National Artisan

There are a ton of job opportunities in the sports industry for qualified artisans. The abilities obtained through TVET colleges and trade test centres are highly sought after in a variety of fields, including project management, construction, and maintenance.

South African Context

The need for talented artisans is especially great in South Africa. The nation’s expanding sports sector greatly depends on the skills of trained experts to construct and manage top-notch facilities. The opportunities are numerous and diverse for young people wishing to pursue careers in this field.

Conclusion

For craftspeople, the sports sector offers a wide range of fulfilling job options. Artisan learners can have prosperous careers that support the growth and upkeep of the sporting infrastructure with the correct instruction and training. Learning management systems, trade test centres, and TVET colleges are all essential to this process because they offer the information and skills needed to succeed in this fast-paced industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of TVET colleges in artisan development?

Practical, hands-on training is provided by TVET colleges to prepare students for real life and world challenges in the workforce. They provide educational programs that blend theory and real-world application.

How important is project management for artisans in sports?

To guarantee that athletic facilities are constructed and maintained to the highest standards, project management is crucial, as it is one of the tools needed to be successful in the workplace.  It entails organising a project’s time, money, and team communications, among other things.

Where can I do rugby and become a qualified tradesman-or woman?

UXi International Rugby institutes are the only rugby institutes in South Africa that offers a choice of three trades, with rugby development, practical hours and work placement over a four year average period. 

What are trade test centres?

Trade test centres evaluate prospective artisans to make sure they are competent and meet national requirements. For any artisan hoping to prove their abilities and get a job, passing the trade test is an essential first step and it provides preparation for the workplace.

Sources

1. South African Department of Higher Education and Training. (n.d.). Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. Retrieved from DHET.gov.za
2. National Artisan Development Support Centre. (n.d.). Trade Test Centres. Retrieved from NADSC.org.za
3. Skills Development Act, No. 97 of 1998. (n.d.). Retrieved from SAFLII.org.
4. UXiSport.co.za

A BLUE BULLS MASTER CLASS

The UXi Harlequins International Rugby Institute is the FIRST in South Africa to become an accredited Blue Bulls Rugby Institute.

The regulation of academies and or institutes has become critically important to ensure that players and parents/sponsors receive the services that the academy sells to them and to ensure that players receive the quality development and education required for their futures.

The question always arises of what differentiates a good academy from a great or better one. Parents and sponsors have increasingly limited funds for sport development and education. Education is truly the only guarantee that any player can take away from an Academy or Institute year, as no one can guarantee a player a professional contract locally or abroad. The highest level of competition that a player may achieve depends greatly on the player’s own ability, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. Initially, without having worked with a player in a high-performance rugby development program or in a class for a few months, can no one accurately determine what a player’s ability and future holds.

A player must be of an exceptional standard with creditable CV, play record, references and carry at least 2 caps from a professional national side in South Africa. Most 2nd and 3rd tier clubs in the world will only offer partial contracts that will not necessarily cover all living expenses. And it is for this reason that education becomes extremely important to pursue with the athletic development program that an institute or academy offers.

Having a qualification in hand can assist a player to also find job opportunities abroad. If going abroad or even emigrating is an option for a player, then it is also important to look at education that is recognized internationally.

Here are some helpful criteria points for players and parents to look out for when assessing different institutions and to assist them with their decision making and investment choice, as provided by the Blue Bulls rugby union.

STAFF

• The Institute or Academy must have a full time Academy/Institute manager with exceptional operations and management experience and academic qualification
• The Institute or Academy must also display a highly qualified and experienced full time Head Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach.
• All coaches must have a World Rugby Level 2 coaching certificate as well as a World Rugby level 2 referee certificate.
• The ratio of coach to players should be 1:15
• All coaches and trainers must be BOKSMART certified as well as World Rugby Covid 19 awareness for coaches and players.
• All coaches coaching children must have completed the World Rugby coaching children session as well as have valid SAP clearance certificate in respect of Criminal Law; (Sexual offences and related cases) Amendment Act nr 32 of 2007

PLAYERS

• Must have a minimum of 30 full time registered players
• Preference must be provided for players of colour
• Players in the rugby program should be younger than 23 years
• Players must be medically screened before enrolment, the program commences or in a rehabilitation program

EDUCATION

• Players must be given the opportunity to study
• Players must be given the opportunity to do World Rugby Coaching. Referee and Strength and Conditioning course presented by World Rugby Educators
• Players must also be given the opportunity to do SA Rugby Clubwise training
• Players must all complete the Boksmart course
• All players must attend a training session with South African Institute for Drug Free Sport
• All players must complete the World Rugby Covid-19 Awareness for coaches and players online
• An accredited and recognized Life Skills program must be followed
• Players must be given the opportunity to coach at school level under the guidance of the Union
• Well recorded and regular mentorship sessions with each player must be conducted

TRAINING FACILITIES

• Daily access to a well-equipped gym, equipped to be rugby specific and be on acceptable standard
• Daily access to a quality rugby field
• Offices for staff
• Team Room/lectures rooms/technical room
• Lecture room- data projector, projector screen, sound whiteboard. Flipchart
• Students must have access to the internet, WI-FI, printing computer lab/laptop or tablet.

MEDICAL SERVICES

• Immediate access to a doctor
• Daily treatment available from Physiotherapist and Biokinetist
• Nutritionist for consultation

EQUIPMENT

• Rugby Conditioning equipment that are of a high standard
• Sufficient rugby balls, tackling bags, shields and scrum machine (Slalom poles/cones)
• Video and Game analysis programme for technical assistance and support

RUGBY ACADEMY/INSTITUTE PROGRAMME

• The content of the programme should be in line with World Rugby, SARU and Union approved
• There should be a clear planning and curriculum offering over the year
• The seasonal planning, weekly ad daily planning, should always be available           
• Training schedules (annual, monthly, weekly and daily) should be presented to the Union
• Students must have access to the training schedules

ADMINISTRATION AND FEES

• Administration documents must be on high standard
• Regular financial reporting to a Union is required
• Progress reports on players must be provided to players and parents
• Financial reporting and financial management according to good corporate governance regulations
• Audited Financial statements presented
• Third-party insurance should be in place
• Policies, regulations, disclaimers, emergency plans (HSOP) and Tax clearance certificate presented
• The Institute/Academy must present a business and strategic plan to stakeholders
• Legally binding contracts with players/parents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Do your homework and investigation on an Institute/Academy and ask for accreditation statuses of all their programmes on offer;
• Request information on the qualification and experience levels of the Coaching Team
• Accredited Institutes/Academies will offer education support on site with education coordinators that will be able to assist with academic enquiries.
• Remember that Institutes/Academies should not be focused on their TEAMs to win a competition, but their key role is to develop every player-athlete to his/her highest level of competition.
• An institute or academy that has a team of dedicated coaches and support staff will focus on the INDIVIDUAL PLAYER first and foremost in a sport science based program
• Coaching teams in High Performance development programmes will have the ability to bring out the best in every player regardless of their level of experience or background

WHAT MAKES THE UXI SPORT RUGBY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS DIFFERENT?

  UXi International Rugby Institutes aim to develop athletes at a high level setting sustainable development goals, and to address gender equality in rugby. Almost 48% of its applicants for the international level high performance rugby program, have never been exposed to a physical education programme. For many players from previously disadvantaged communities fundamental movement skills that involve critical motor skills were never taught at a younger age. 

Through UXi’s Strength and Conditioning career rugby program the Institute will be able to educate a new generation of sports specific coaches who can in turn educate young athletes and coach parents on the importance of physical activity. For UXi Sport it is not only about training and competition it has a mission to build world cup level sport coaches for the future, to inspire greatness in all its athlete-students.

UXi also employs a national team of sport scientists, rugby directors, highly qualified strength and conditioning coaches, video and game analysts, life skills coaches who function within faculties or departments. These managers drive the program in their respective areas of expertise nationally to ensure quality, consistency and ensure a national/international standard.

UXi Sport functions like a Private Education Institution and is also registered and accredited with the QCTO in South Africa. 

Resources:

1. BBRU regulation in regard to accreditation of Academies
2. World Rugby 

The Lessons in life that rugby teaches

The nail-biting game between the national team, the Springboks,and Ireland on the 13th of July 2024, and the first defeat the Springboks have suffered in five international games, most definitely placed the spotlight on feelings of disappointment and regret. Not only for the Springbok players, but also for coaches and spectators alike.

The game of rugby can bring many challenges for any player, whether on school level, semi-professional or professional level. Disappointments are a given with the highly physical and strenuous game of great South African Springbok rugby.

Injuries are a reality and no one in a team of players are immune to it. Handling mistakes or wrong decision making can cost a side their game, or as Hanre Pollard showed us in the previous match, that an off-day in kicking can do the same. Then there is the disappointments that come with rugby teams selection, one can imagine that with the abundance of talent in South Africa Springbok coaches are spoiled for choice in their depth. To remain at the top of your game as an international professional player, does not mean that you have arrived. In fact, that is when the hard work, sacrifice really start to remain at the top of your game.

Life is very much the same, it is a constant battle to remain employed or in a senior accountable position. There is constantly new talent being hired by organisations, even higher qualified and experienced than yourself. Often someone working much longer for an organization than a newer employee gets overseen for promotions, and they have to make way for the younger talent.

 How interesting is it that sport teaches us the realities of life before we even begin our careers elsewhere? Disappointment in any career is a given, whether it is because of that promotion that was not secured, or the last performance management review. Sport has a way of teaching us to become mentally stronger to accept and work through disappointment, no matter how difficult it is. A sport like professional rugby showcases that even heroes can fall and have an “off day”.

But here are some more interesting life lessons we take from rugby;

1. The hard hits in the game remind us that there will be hard hits in life when you least expect it, however you need to get up from them, as the game (life) must carry on. If you remain down, they will carry you off on a stretcher and substitute you.
2. Sometimes during the game there are some “cheap shots” that someone takes at you, that you never saw coming. In life there will be people who will try to put you down and take shots at you with unkind words and actions. Just as it happens in sport for various reasons, the same happens in life for those exact same reasons. Don’t let anyone but you, be the author of your life!
3. Show up, work hard in training, go the extra mile to get selected for your dream team. Pursuing a career is no different, as you need to show up at work every day, earlier than anyone else, working harder and longer hours than anyone else to stand out in the working crowd, and get noticed for the “dream position or job” you are aiming for.
4. Rugby teaches you respect for those in positions of authority , whether it is the coaches or the referee, we learn how to be obedient to the rules of the game and the game plan.
5. Team selection disappointment is a testimony that almost every Springbok can speak about, whether in their professional or younger careers these disappointments inspired them to work harder to beat the odds,and reach their glory day!
6. Not being selected for a promotion initially, could simply mean that you are not experienced enough as yet, or there are more skills you need to acquire to become better as a player,and as such strive to become better, smarter and be more determined!

Takeaways- when you feel like giving up!

1. The most difficult challenges in life or on the rugby field, often comes before the greatest breakthroughs, as such carry on playing your best game- the gap (opportunity) will come!
2. Don’t let people define who you are nor your purpose in life- you can become anything in life you put your mind to, however there will always be someone that will not like you for whatever reason but,  JUST PLAY ON!
3. We must get up from tough times, heartbreak and disappointment in life- just as we have to get up from hard tackles and play the game through the pain, because life waits for no one!
4. Not everyone is born with mental toughness and grit, these are qualities often taught by disciplined and structured daily training and cultivating the habits of a winner!
5. Remember that in the end we are human, we can make mistakes, take our eye off the ball and be distracted by noise, however,  it is not about the mistake you make when playing rugby- it is how you bounce back from it,and then try harder the next time.

UXi International Rugby Institutes recognizes the true power of sport in their programme in rugby professional development, and the lessons of life that the game teaches. It is for this reason too, that it has developed a QCTO accredited Life Skills program that is offered during their one- year High Performance development program. This program brings the values and lessons of rugby into context with the realities of life, work-readiness, communication, self-awareness and barriers to performance, to name a few of these life-changing topics. Most importantly UXi and its coaching teams also recognize that it is important for players to work on a career after rugby early on, as disappointment in the form of injury or other set-backs will become easier if the player has a plan B to fall back onto. 

Should a player not progress onto one of the South African national teams, he will leave the Institutes after twelve months as a holistically developed individual, ready to step into life and the many challenges it brings with wonderful friendships formed and a meaningful rugby network that will stand the test of time.

The inspiring documentary of the Springboks who have won two consecutive rugby world cups, and the testimonies shared by their head coach and director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who has been recognized for his exceptional high performance leadership, tells many stories of lessons learned and journeys traveled. Chasing the Sun inspires not only SA rugby players from Cape Town to the United States, but worldwide their story brings hope and teaches valuable lessons!

What we can Learn from Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi in his post -match interview this past weekend, after the brutal Ireland and South Africa world-cup winning side clash, expressed the importance of great leadership , and for it to rise from our youth in South Africa.

He explained how it is not about the colour of his own skin being named the “first black captain” of South African rugby but rather the ability to lead his team members from diverse players from such very different backgrounds- and socio- economic differences. It is about embracing diversity and the power within it, solving problems, and building trust with effective leadership. 

A rainbow nation’s reality

South Africa is a rainbow nation, the realities of on-field challenges of a multi- cultural rugby team is also evident from any locker room to boardroom, as well as our own South-African government. It takes a special leader to unlock this power within diversity, and the truth is nothing has taught us more on this particular subject as a nation, than our Springbok team under Siya’s and Rassie Erasmus’s leadership. “Sport has the power to change the world”- famous quote by Mr Nelson Mandela during the 1995 world-cup. He also said, as Francois Pienaar lifted the famous Webb Ellis trophy, that “ Sport is a language that our youth understands”.

Siya, who has won two rugby world cups for rugby South Africa, has invited young South Africans to stand up and become the next generation leaders, that will carry this legacy forward and lead with intention, achieve success, cross barriers of race, language and culture and learn to embrace the beautiful differences in our DNA! 

At UXi International Rugby Institutes, management and coaches strive to cultivate and nurture leadership through the accredited Life Skills program offered, the composition of the various national institute players are very diverse in every way, as such players have the opportunity to practise their leadership styles and lessons learnt from a Siya and other successful rugby captains in South Africa at our institutes, as we are fortunate to have so many role-models in a leadership role, that we also continue study for best practice in South African rugby.

 UXi also challenges players to look at successful businessmen and women in leadership as their success stories in business also teach valuable lessons for on-field success. TEAMWORK is the only key to success, but also to unlock the power of TEAM we have to understand the heart behind every jersey in the team and fully understand the group of people we have to work with.

Our current era

We live in an era where urgent leadership and leadership qualities  are required in our communities and families. It is easier to follow than to lead in today’s world.Effective leaders must be willing to accept criticism and pressure from team mates as well as superiors, as a leader is always expected to perform and out- perform. UXi teaches their players the hard realities of Life and unlock the composition of their own identities. Self-awareness and identity are keys to growing into a future leader with an individual leadership style, it takes as much work, practise, and a lifetime of mistakes to become a great leader, and even then, you must be able to continuously evolve and learn within your management style. 

That is the true quality of a natural leader, to be able to listen and accept that you are not always right and actively seek to never allow setbacks or criticism to derail you from your vision. We also need to realise that there are different types of leadership styles, and studying towards a qualification in leadership will bring understanding of these. 

Mental toughness and resilience are naturally taught in sport- and it is for this reason that learning from sport for life is so powerful. Add academic studies into an environment where you are practising a sports code you love, evolve as an athlete and leader, whilst also ensuring the knowledge and skills academically and it has the power to change our youth, our country and our society!

There is no more powerful combination than that of sport development and academic studies added together in a disciplined structure, to cultivate our next generation of good leaders in South Africa and even 12 years of school education will not teach these stills. 

Key take-aways?

1)       How can I become an effective leader in sport?

By practising your leadership skills in an environment that will allow you to learn and grow, develop confidence, and communication skills by practising and doing the same on a daily basis. The UXi rugby institutes place a high value on developing soft skills for life. Their rugby development environments attract players from all over South Africa and internationally, making it the ideal learning environment for a future leader.

2)       Do I require any special training to become a rugby captain?

Leadership skills come naturally for a lot of individuals- some might not even know they possess these skills if it is not unlocked and nurtured in the right manner. An individual does not become a great leader overnight, it takes a lot of learning through mistakes, studying great leader’s attributes and cultivating the habits of a great leader. Studies in management will most definitely give a clear understanding of the differences between managers and leaders, it will teach the fundamental principles- however, the softer skills such as communication, perception, listening skills, overcoming cultural diversity can only be taught by following an accredited Life Skills program in sport such as the one offered by UXi Sport. Leaders must also learn to adapt constantly to change, think back to the covid-19 pandemic and imagine who this shaped our leaders for the future. 

References;

1)       UXi Sport- uxisport.co.za

Date & Location:

• Modimolle, Limpopo Province, May 22, 2024

Key Details:

• UXi Sport has partnered with the Limpopo Blue Bulls Union Management.
• The UXi Limpopo Blue Bulls International Rugby Institute will open in January 2025.

Features:

• Located on a Game Lodge in Modimolle, 80 minutes from Pretoria.
• Offers a “stay, play, and study” experience.
• Combines sports training with academic programs.
• Provides platforms for participation in U20 and U21 tournaments, SA U20 Shield competition, and Blue Bulls U20 Club league.

Academic Programs:

• Diverse courses including Wildlife Conservation, Anti-Poaching, Game Ranging, and Lodge Management.
• Internationally recognized courses.
• Fifteen new QCTO-accredited programs in sports, fitness, business management, and humanities.

Statements:

• Thea Miller, CEO of UXi Sport: Emphasized the integration of athletic and academic excellence.
• Henri van Aswegen, President of the Limpopo Blue Bulls: Highlighted the milestone for rugby development and the nurturing of talent in regions with fewer resources.

Impact:

• Aims to develop well-rounded individuals.
• Supports Limpopo’s rugby clubs, schools, and communities.
• Promotes socio-economic development and employment opportunities.

Applications:

• Open for the inaugural intake in 2025.

Full Article on SA Sports Press here