A unique partnership that will create pathways for sportspeople on and off the field is at the centre of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Newcastle Knights and Hunter TAFE.

Newcastle Knights CEO, Matt Gidley, and Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phil Cox, signed a MOU at the Knights’ home game clash against the Brisbane Broncos on Friday 2 August 2013.

The MOU is the first of its kind in Australia and will see the development of a Specialist Education and Sports Performance Hub that will deliver ongoing vocational education and training to Knights’ players that are trying to complete their studies while balancing their rugby league commitments.

Knights CEO, Matt Gidley, believes it is important for the Knights to provide better ways for young athletes to access on and off the field skills.

“Hunter TAFE provides a range of flexible delivery options that allows players to maintain their sporting commitments while pursuing skills that will help them during and after their league careers,” Kurt said.

“We have been working informally with Hunter TAFE for some time, but this partnership now opens the doors to a multitude of career choices and skills options for our players.”

“It is important for us to ensure that players have all the skills they need to be successful in whatever they pursue now and into the future.”

Hunter TAFE Institute Director Phil Cox said that the partnership is an important part of the Institute’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of our customers.

“Changes in the vocational educational and training sector demands that Hunter TAFE looks beyond traditional delivery modes,” Phil said.

“We are well equipped to work with organisations like the Knights to provide the right skills for their players, the teams and the organisation. ”

“Under the MOU a framework has been developed that provides access to skills that Knights players would use during and after their league careers such as leadership, management and mentoring programs.”

At the game the Knights and Hunter TAFE also launched a campaign to encourage league fans to explore the multiple career options that Hunter TAFE provides across its 15 campuses.

Knights’ players Kurt Gidley, Beau Scott (electro technology), Matt Hilder (plumbing) and Korbin Sims (carpentry) have recorded a series of video interviews outlining how Hunter TAFE is helping them balance their sports careers and vocational studies.