A FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons player has launched a new programme helping retired professional athletes move into new careers in Cardiff .

The course, known as STEP (Supporting Transition into Enterprise Programme) involves training on life skills, job hunting techniques and approaches to education and new qualifications.

The initiative has been designed by Skill Group, whose managing director is former professional rugby player Nathan Brew, who has also been capped for Wales.

He said “During a professional athlete’s life, one change is certain, he or she will retire from the elite level competition and need to enter a new career.

“The earlier an individual begins to prepare for this transition, the more effective the outcomes and we have built on our experience to design this new programme.

“Athletes are often deemed to be comfortable and confident but this is not always the case and moving from the relatively safe but competitive environment of the dressing room is often a daunting new experience.

“The skills and competitiveness you learn as a professional athlete need to be translated effectively to the workplace.

“This may seem easy on the surface but the challenges usually take the athlete by surprise.”