The transition from life on the pitch to a new career can be daunting. But for two former professional rugby players — Darren Rogers and Jon Ford — it has been an opportunity to re-shape their futures and help others do the same.

Both now work as Tutors and Learning Coaches with Educationwise, delivering high-quality, fully funded apprenticeship programmes to RPA members and club staff. Both are living proof that combining sport with structured learning is not only possible, but career-defining.

Darren Rogers – Building Leaders On and Off the Field

After 17 years in professional rugby, Darren understands the demands, the pressure, and the uncertainty players face.
“I’ve walked the walk,” he says. “Apprenticeships give you a way to prepare for what’s next without losing touch with what you’re doing now.”

For Darren, education is about momentum and mindset. “As a dad, I want to show my kids what’s possible after playing. It’s not about sitting in a classroom — it’s about learning you can apply the same day.”

Now at Educationwise, Darren delivers leadership and management programmes designed for people who’ve stepped into new roles, often unexpectedly. His learners range from coaches to community programme leads — all benefiting from his blend of elite sport experience and practical leadership insight.

Jon Ford – From Player to Educator

Jon’s career took an unexpected turn when his playing days ended earlier than planned.
“I spent six years as a professional rugby player, including three full-time, and completed my first apprenticeship during that time,” Jon recalls.

Balancing elite sport with learning wasn’t easy, but it gave him transferable skills — discipline, time management, communication, and teamwork — that opened doors beyond rugby. His apprenticeship laid the foundations for him to gain teaching and assessor qualifications, which led to delivering sports qualifications to other professional athletes.

Now with Educationwise, Jon uses his lived experience to connect with learners, helping them navigate both personal development and career progression. “Without my apprenticeship, I would have been starting from scratch. Instead, I moved into my next career at a higher level.”

Apprenticeships Available:

Educationwise offers fully funded apprenticeships, delivered flexibly around training, fixtures, and club commitments. Popular pathways include:

• Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer
• Level 4 Sports Coach
• Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor
• Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager
• Level 3 Business Administrator
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant
• Level 5 Specialist Teaching and Learning Practitioner

All programmes are government-funded via the Apprenticeship Levy and are delivered remotely, meaning no cost to the learner or club.

Why It Works

Whether you’re still playing, transitioning to a new career, or already in a non-playing role, an apprenticeship offers the chance to:

• Gain recognised qualifications
• Build skills you can use immediately
• Prepare for long-term career success
• Learn from people who’ve lived your world

As Darren puts it:

“These aren’t tick-box courses. They’re built around real-world outcomes, delivered by people who’ve been there and know what works.”

Take Your Next Step:

If you’re an RPA member, a non-playing staff member, or a club leader looking to develop your team, Educationwise can help.

Email: info@education-wise.org