Griffith College Launches New Certificate in Dual Career Development for High Performance Sportspeople

11 Aug 2015

  • Certificate has been developed in conjunction with the Institute of Sport

  • Programme designed to address the needs of high performance and professional sportspeople

  • Areas the course will cover include professional dual career development and transition management

 

Griffith College, in consultation with the Irish Institute of Sport, has today announced details of a new certificate in Dual Career Development designed to specifically address the identified needs of high performance and professional sportspeople in the area of professional dual career development and transition management; specifically, the need for sports people to maintain an educational profile while not impacting on their sport preparation.

Athlete ambassadors, Dublin footballer Philly McMahon, Irish Rugby player Katie Fitzhenry and three time Olympian Eoin Rheinisch were on hand at Griffith College today to launch the new certificate.

Speaking at the launch, Eilis O'Leary of Griffith College said; "For many sportspeople a dual career is a necessity. A dual career means balancing a full time job or career alongside their involvement in sport. Even for professional sportspeople who do not need the financial support of a dual career, transition management is an issue they need to be aware of from an early age and this certificate will address all of this and more".

Gary Keegan, Director of the Institute of Sport commented; "The Institute of Sport are committed to supporting athlete in the pursuit of dual careers and ensuring that athletes have the choice to combine sport and education where possible and we as an organisation are focused on up-skilling athletes and supporting them in their transition to life beyond elite sport."

It is intended that through mentoring and support, learners on the programme are more prepared, and in a position to plan, for transition from sport. This may include pursuing further education, developing coping skills, networking and expanding their social circle.

The Griffith College Dual Career Development certificate is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and is the result of over a year of careful research and planning. The Certificate in Dual Career Development offers a flexible and personalised learning experience, tailored to meet the unique needs of people involved in their sport at the highest level. It involves both face to face classes with extensive online support and mentoring.

For further information on the Griffith College Certificate in Dual Career Development (Sport), see www.griffith.ie