Shortlisted for Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2024

November 13, 2024

A remarkable individual and a west country business which supports the Bristol Bears Community Foundation are set to be honoured for their extraordinary achievements at the prestigious Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2024, taking place on 20th November at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

HITZ, Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, has been transforming lives for 16 years, empowering young people to make lasting, positive changes. Every year it reaches over 2,000 young people aged 14–24 across England, using rugby’s core values to equip them with essential life and employability skills, helping them re-engage with education, secure apprenticeships, or find meaningful employment.

Unlike traditional education settings, HITZ creates a unique learning environment where teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the core. The HITZ programme, with its nurturing environment participants affectionately refer to as the ‘HITZ family’, simply put is life changing.

Representing Bristol Bears Community Foundation, 17-year-old Gilbert has been shortlisted for his story of resilience, dedication and courage, whilst Molson Group are recognised for their contribution, commitment and collaboration across multiple HITZ sites. Both stories are an inspiring testament to the power of rugby and community to create lasting change.

Josh Ladbury, HITZ Officer for the Bristol Bears Community Foundation commented; “We are incredibly proud of Gilbert and Molson Group for being shortlisted for a HITZ award. At the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, we are fortunate to work with such passionate individuals and partners who go above and beyond to empower young people, helping them build brighter futures. Their contribution is not only transforming lives but also strengthening our entire community.”

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to everyone shortlisted for this season’s HITZ awards. Over the past 16 years, the success of the programme has been undeniable, with HITZ helping over 83% of learners move forward in a positive direction. The HITZ Awards are a reminder of how much rugby can change the trajectory of young people’s lives. Each person involved in the programme should take pride in the impact they’ve had, and I can’t wait to celebrate together at the Allianz Stadium in November.”

BRISTOL BEARS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SHORTLISTED NOMINEES

Gilbert has been shortlisted for the Young Achiever Award. The Young Achiever Award recognises and rewards a young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training, or employment.

Gilbert, originally from Ghana, arrived in England two years ago and struggling with the language barrier meant he left school without qualifications. Adjusting to life in the UK, particularly in school where his limited English made learning difficult, left him feeling shy and frustrated.

Through the HITZ programme, Gilbert gradually built his confidence via the smaller group settings and one-on-one support. His enthusiasm and cheerful outlook shone through as he embraced every opportunity, including leading a workshop at the Bristol Bears’ Celebration of Sport event. Gilbert diligently improved his English and Math skills, with near perfect attendance and a strong commitment to personal growth and with this his career focus shifted from football to exploring new options. With guidance from HITZ tutors, he is now attending mainstream college whilst considering his future career in the army, construction industry or as an electrician. Gilbert excelled in workshops and recruitment days, including leading a carpentry workshop and excelling in an army recruitment task.

Now, Gilbert is studying Level 1 Construction Multi Trades, with a much clearer plan for his future. His newfound confidence has opened doors to new industries and Gilbert is vocal about how grateful he is for the programme’s support in shaping his career path.

Molson Group are shortlisted in a joint nomination alongside their customer SUEZ recycling and recovery UK for the Champion Award. This award recognises an individual or business who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support young people on the HITZ programme in overcoming difficult personal barriers to success. They may be a member of the HITZ team or the local community.

The partnership between the Molson Group and its customer SUEZ has significantly impacted over 30 young HITZ learners on The Harlequins Foundation and Bristol Bears Community Foundation HITZ programmes over the last few years.

By focusing on developing the employability of young people, these two organisations have helped HITZ students gain career confidence which has opened doors to opportunities in a variety of roles within the construction, demolition and recycling industries. Offering real-world work experience is often vital to positive outcomes on HITZ. Molson Group and SUEZ provide students with invaluable opportunities to explore what a day-to-day job would look like within their organisations, along with building work readiness and self-confidence as learners gain first hand insight into diverse careers from plant operations to HR.

However, their support on HITZ goes beyond work placements, with support given in volunteering, personal guidance and mentorship which often continues after learners complete the programme. Interview opportunities have also led to permanent employment for some former HITZ participants within the two businesses, including the likes of Igor who is employed by Molson Group to work on-site with SUEZ at their London hub. Igor’s apprenticeship, Level 3 Land Based Service Engineering with Bircham Newton College, is a prime example of the power of the two businesses collaborating on social value to achieve the highest impact.

Molson Group also conduct mock interviews to boost the learners’ job readiness and provide financial support for essential resources like laptops and PPE. Their dedicated staff, including previous HITZ participants, Dawda, Connor and Louis, play a key role in mentoring, sharing experiences, and building strong relationships with HITZ participants each year. This was reflected in them being awarded HITZ Ambassador status earlier this year.

These values-driven businesses integrate social responsibility fully into their operations and their commitment to nurturing young HITZ talent is testament to the lasting impact they inspire to have on the communities around them.

This season, the HITZ programme celebrates its 16^th anniversary. HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that we see today. In that time, it has achieved some huge milestones including over 24,000 enrolments and 83% progressing immediately into education, employment or training after their time with HITZ.

About HITZ

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, supported by the CVC Foundation and delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s 10 shareholder clubs.

Premiership Rugby HITZ Programme Stats: