August 1, 2014
"Got a Trade? Got it Made!" caring for Youth Elite
Providing youngsters with a secure future is a goal that New Zealand Rugby League, The Skills Organisation and Competenz
all share, so it’s logical that they join forces to deliver that message.
The two industry training organisations have signed on as official sponsors of the NZRL Youth Elite development
programme until the end of 2015 and are also naming-rights partners of the NZRL National Youth Tournament, now powered
by “Got a Trade? Got it Made!”
“More and more, we’re focusing on our young players’ future beyond the game of rugby league,” says NZRL chief executive
Phil Holden.
“While a long and successful professional and international career is every player’s dream, the reality is that they
can’t afford to rely on football for their future.
“We recognise they need to make alternative plans, and The Skills Organisation and Competenz are ideal partners to help
us drive this message.
“It’s exciting to have these leading industry training organisations on board, as we begin to gather a strong group of
partners around our NZRL Youth Elite programme.”
The Skills Organisation has already begun that relationship with a workshop at the recent NZRL National Performance Camp
in Rotorua, showcasing apprentice opportunities in 21 different industries across New Zealand.
"Trades skills really are for life,” says Skills specialist trades and business general manager Lance Riesterer. ”We're
thrilled to be working with NZRL and these talented young people to build for a secure future.”
The Skills Organisation and Competenz are two of the industry training organisations behind the “Got a Trade? Got it
Made!” campaign, which encourages active and practical young people to choose trade careers.
“Playing rugby league means being skilled and competitive on the field, while getting a trade makes you skilled and
competitive in the workplace,” says Competenz trades general manager Fiona Kingsford.
The formalisation of this bond will see The Skills Organisation, Competenz and “Got a Trade? Got it Made!” feature
prominently as part of the youth expo running alongside the NZRL National Secondary Schools Tournament from September
1-5 at Papakura.