Jeremy's careering forward

SWIMMER Jeremy Osborne is one of only 100 young apprentices from across the UK to be selected for a special new apprenticeship with the 2012 London Olympics and beyond in mind. The select band come from competitive and synchronised swimming, water polo and include young people with disabilities.

The UK Government-sponsored Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence scheme is designed for youngsters hoping to make a career in competitive swimming.

The Beau Sejour Barracudas Club member will be regularly monitored and assessed by UK tutor Mick Hepwood, who will mentor and coach him as an athlete on a one-to-one basis.

'I am coming over every six weeks to visit him and review his work and advise him. Now we are offering an opportunity for the ones who are really good to be educated doing their sport, which is magnificent,' he said.

'This is the best thing that could have happened to swimming.'

There are 16 similar schemes across the UK and Osborne is the only athlete to be selected from Guernsey to participate.

These 'advanced apprenticeships', equivalent to A-level, incorporate a national vocational qualification to level three, key skills and a technical certificate.

Building on the successful tradition of football apprenticeships, the scheme provides learners with a broader education to help ensure that each individual has the necessary skills to be successful in an industry outside of full-time competition.

The AASE framework, funded by the UK government's Learning and Skills Council, was approved in March 2004 and has already been rolled out across football.

Being a professional sportsman or woman in the 21st century is seen as being about more than just athletic prowess and skill. There is a need to know how to manage a lifestyle and career off the field.

The ASA, swimming's governing body, is delighted that through the AASE framework there is now a structure in place to support the professional development of the UK's most promising young sporting prospects.

It is seen as especially important in the run-up to the 2012 Games and beyond.

Osborne is currently at Elizabeth College studying AS-level maths, physics, geography and graphics and the two-year AASE schedule is designed around his swimming programme.