Rebecca inspires future generations of apprentices

British Swimming - 10/10/2008

The AASE programme, which aims to meet the needs of young people to achieve sporting excellence as their main career goal while continuing with their education, welcomed 115 athletes on September 28th. The athletes were given the opportunity to ask Rebecca questions about the programme and see her Olympic medals.

Adlington said: “I’m very excited to welcome the new apprentices on the swimming AASE programme. My apprenticeship with the asa provided me with high quality training, whilst giving me the opportunity to gain qualifications at the same time.

“Winning two gold medals in Beijing and breaking a world record was the greatest achievement of my life and I hope the new intake of swimmers can work towards further success for British swimming. It would be fantastic to see Great Britain win even more medals in the pool at London 2012.

“I wish the new apprentices the best of luck for their AASE programme and hopefully we’ll see as many of them as possible competing for Great Britain over the next few years.”

At the induction day athletes were able to attend workshops and complete a plan of the various activities they wish to undertake whilst in the AASE programme. Apprentices also have free access to sporting qualifications such as National Pool Lifeguard and UKCC Coaching Awards.

Michelle Kiff, asa’s National Education Officer said: “I am delighted to welcome the athletes onto the programme this is now the third intake of athletes onto the AASE programme, each year the programme is developing with better resources and more support for the athletes.

“The staff have worked extremely hard to drive the programme forward and we look forward to seeing our first intake of athletes achieve the full Apprenticeship in the coming months.”

Running since 2004, the two-year AASE qualification offers the first opportunity for elite and potentially elite athletes to get a proper recognition of the skills, knowledge and understanding they are developing/gaining in their quest for excellence.

Athletes will also have club visits from their Talent Development Officer, attend workshops and an offshore camp whilst on the programme.