One Halifax Rugby Union player, Will Kay, has already planned for his future by retraining as an electrician.

The 23-year-old has dedicated the last five years to the game since he gave up a law degree to take up a contract as a professional.

But when he was injured last year, he realised a career as a sportsman was unstable and he needed something to fall back on.

He started a course with New Career Skills, which helps career changers to train for the construction industry.

Although halfway through the training programme he was fully recovered from his injury, Will decided to finish the course as a way of keeping his mind active.

He said: "Being a sportsman without doing anything else, you've got so much free time, sometimes you go a bit brain numb.

"You feel fullfilled in the fact that every weekend you know you're going to be playing rugby and it's competitive.

"But in your everyday life you want to start doing something more."

Now he is back to full fitness and is playing regularly.

He has finished his Part P electrical qualification and now intends to set up his own electrical business to keep him active when he is not on the rugby pitch.

New Career Skills training programmes are aimed at being tailored to those with little or no experience. They work closely with industry to give participants relevant skills and support, and assist students with finding jobs and starting their own businesses.