BAC

Work Experience Initiatives

Sport2Business (through their corporate partners) and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust (through Skills Active) both hold Work Experience Days and initiatives to give athletes the opportunity to gain a clearer insight into working in a particular role or industry.

For example S2B recently held another work experience day with Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE). Attending were four Olympic athletes and two premiership rugby players. The day involved a motivational introduction from CCE Regional Director, Simon Hawkins, then the sports stars spent a day on the road meeting clients, delivering stock and bombarding CCE with questions.

The day was a huge success from both the athletes and CCE’s perspective, so much so that Coca- Cola Enterprises have been working diligently behind the scenes to create opportunities for three of the attending Olympic athletes. These athletes, although funded, need to supplement their income to achieve their Olympic dream and they have been delighted to have the potential opportunity of working with an ‘employer of choice’ like Coca-Cola. The athletes did create a very positive impression with the CCE staff through their positive attitude, drive for achievement and communication skills – all core competencies sought by Coca-Cola.

To quote Chris Hayman, HR Manager CCE, ‘The sports stars were a credit to themselves and their sports. They were keen to learn, asked very good questions, engaged with the clients and our staff well and pleasantly surprised us with their enthusiasm to gain experience while still chasing their Olympic dream. They all embodied the key competencies of teamwork, communication and drive for achievement that we always seek. We are keen to find ways of working with these athletes and will be working closely with them and CAS to create a ‘win-win’ arrangement.’