Skills record will record training and qualifications in one easy format.

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Jamie Peacock, world renowned rugby league player, Great Britain rugby league captain and player with Leeds Rhinos is today launching the activepassport, a new SkillsActive web-based initiative which records skills, training and qualifications easily and efficiently.

Jamie, the inspirational skipper at Bradford Bulls until 2005, said: “I will use the activepassport to record all my training, skills and education. This includes all my sporting skills, personal and professional achievements. The activepassport will provide a smooth transition for me once my professional career has ended as all my skills data will be listed in one easily updated format.”

Local boxing star Herol “bomber” Graham will also be at the launch demonstrating his boxing skills and answering questions from some of the young boxers at Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club. The club is based at Rawthorpe Gym in Huddersfield which is piloting a number of the activepassports with learners who use the learning centre facility at the gym. The learning centre provides IT, internet and teaching facilities which gym users and other members of the community can use in between their training sessions. The project has been supported by the GMB union and unionlearn, the TUC’s learning and skills organisation. Advice from trained learning representatives based at the club is also available.

Mark Reynolds, Rawthorpe Gym owner said: “I really see the benefits of the activepassport as it can be used to record sport skills and training needs of the athletes at the gym, as well as any other education and qualifications. Tutors, mentors and coaches will be able to track and manage training requirements, providing the opportunity to address any skills gaps.

“The verification element also gives peace of mind to the mentors at the gym and employers. Having internet access to each holder’s portfolio will allow us to develop a more tailored training programme and as activepassport is transferable across employment sectors it makes it easier for people to apply for jobs and demonstrate their transferable skills.”

Mark continues: “The aim of the learning centre is to ensure that skills are developed to improve employability and that there is an investment into transferable skills that will provide individuals with alternative pathways to progress at the end of their sporting careers. The passport supports the learning centre in securing this transition.”

Dr Alan Roe, regional manager of unionlearn with Yorkshire and the Humber TUC said: “Unionlearn is supporting many similar projects in Yorkshire and the Humber, which are aimed at increasing the skills levels in the region. Through working in partnership with unions such as the GMB here, local communities are also able to benefit.”