Over the past 12 months, Ryan Mason has emerged as a model HITZ participant, dedicated to learning, keen to help his peers and with a clear idea of the direction he wants his life take. Â
However, this was not the case just 18 months ago. Ryan joined the HITZ programme following his exclusion from college. He had been disengaged with education the past few years, plagued with consistent behavioural and drug-related issues.
When he was excluded from college, Ryanâs apprenticeship plan was also in ruins, as it was attached to the course. His first year at HITZ did not go to plan as his relationship with education had impacted on his outlook. He said: âI didnât get on with teachers and I got distracted far too easily. I didnât like school and thatâs what I thought this was going to be like.âÂ
Ryan failed his first year as he decided just a few days before the course ended that he would prefer to leave and find a job. He ended up unemployed and out of education, sat at home doing nothing.
He said: âAfter a month I realised I needed to do something. I had started going out and getting into trouble, messing around and getting into fights.â
However, Bath Rugby Foundation staff had already seen Ryanâs potential and refused to give up.
He said: âThey rang me up and said âcome back, we can help youâ. Iâd failed to get a job and realised I needed to do this.â
Ryan returned with a different outlook and is now an official HITZ Captain, he is positive, motivating, friendly, caring and hardworking, supporting other students on a daily basis and leading by example.
Ryanâs story isnât unique, HITZ is Premiership Rugbyâs flagship education and employability programme, working with over 2,000 14-to-23-year-olds across England every year.
HITZ uses rugbyâs core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship to get young people not in education, employment or training back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment, and is delivered nationally by Premiership Rugbyâs clubs.
Lynne Fernquest, CEO of Bath Rugby Foundation, said: âWhen I think about HITZ I think about success for young people who couldnât find it in traditional education. I think of Ryan, who joined HITZ after dropping out of school where he just felt he couldnât fit in. HITZ helped him focus on himself as well as his education. I am so proud of Ryan and the journey he has been on.â
If you aged 16-19 and unsure about traditional learning then Bath Rugby Foundation would love to have a conversation.Â
Contact our Hitz Officer Mia Suter at mia.suter@bathrugbyfoundation.com, ring her on 07741 882374 or meet her in person before the match at the Bath Rugby Foundation stand in the Swift Half.