A former rugby international has found another way to inspire youngsters after swapping the pitch for the classroom
Jennifer Davies is now working as a programme leader on Coleg Menai’s Uniformed Protective Services course, teaching and supporting students working towards their Level 3 Diplomas. Jennifer teaches the qualification alongside additional qualifications (Sport), supporting learners’ wider skills’ development.
The course is designed to prepare learners for employment in the Armed Forces, Police, Ambulance, Fire Service, Prison Service and other Community and Emergency Service-related organisations and Jennifer’s experiences are highly valued
She gained her first international cap at 21, before claiming another 73 Welsh caps in the front row. During her international career, she was part of the 6 Nations’ squads between 2003 and 2015 and was also a member of the team that won the triple crown in 2009!
Jennifer grew up in Brecon and started playing rugby union at UWIC University before progressing to play regionally, kick-starting a career which saw her develop into a Welsh national team regular.
After completing her degree she moved up to North Wales, after accepting her first job as North Wales Women and Girls Rugby Development Officer with the Welsh Rugby Union. In her role, she developed her coaching skills and gained her Level 3 Rugby Coaching qualification, and became a WRU Course Coach Educator for WRU Coaches.
In 2005 Jennifer was made redundant from the Welsh Rugby Union Women's and Girls Development Officer role and then started teaching at Coleg Menai, a further and higher education college in Bangor
She enjoys making a difference to the lives of the students, seeing them progress after each lesson, each term and each year.
She said: “I do love a challenge! Some days my job is more challenging than other days. I like to watch learners grow and support them when making their career and sporting choices, helping to steer them towards the right decision for themselves. It's very rewarding being able to support them along their journeys and see them flourish as individuals.”
Jennifer has also been the Colegau Cymru female rugby coach and team manager for thirteen years and has supported many female rugby players in receiving their Colegau Cymru National Caps, some of them have then progressed on to getting International caps for the Wales Women's Team.
She is also a great part of the successful Academi Menai programme run by Coleg Menai, which gives learners from across all college courses an opportunity to participate in sport alongside their vocational course with weekly fixtures in Wales and the North West of England.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai - Academy
She also manages to find a balance between working full-time as a tutor with coaching Caernarfon Senior Women’s Rugby team and refereeing rugby matches at the weekend, as well as being a WRU Course Coach Educator for WRU referees.
Jennifer added: "What I think is vitally important is utilising your passion to encourage students to believe that anything is possible! Pass on your passion!”
Jennifer is hoping to complete her PTI (Personal Training Instructor course) and Lowland Leader Award this year to enhance her skills, helping to further support the learners at Coleg Menai.
Would you like a career in the uniformed protective/public services?
