Sports science intern

[Auntie Merge]

The big problem with unpaid internships is that they divide the opportunities. The rich and privileged kids who can afford to work unpaid have better opportunities than those whose parents can't afford to support them. It perpetuates, because the rich kids will breed kids that they can afford to support, because they have the better paid jobs - all because they could work unpaid.

This internship particularly stinks when the hours (like the club is asking for) would instantly prevent someone having another part time job elsewhere, making the position even more exclusive.

We are a family club based in a traditionally working class area. We should be leading by example by ensuring this internship is paid the apprenticeship rates at the very least.

[durnzo]

As a proud member of the working classes I have a lot of sympathy with a lot of these arguments. However, the whole world is set up to benefit the richer and discriminate against the poorer. This manifests itself from poorer areas having worst education from the very beginning and a higher chance of criminality due to socioeconomic reasons. This was the world we were all born into, it was bought and sold long before I was born that's for sure. It's not right and I hate it but it's what we've got so have do the best we can. When it comes to unpaid internships bigger companies will provide expenses and so on and a lot will take applicants from less privileged backgrounds as they've shown more grit, determination or whatever to get to the point of being in a position to be qualified enough to get these jobs.(according to my sister who worked in recruitment before becoming a school teacher. I'm just a spark so wouldn't know about such things!!!). As previously pointed out the internship will provide an excellent leg up on rivals in future job applications so is mutually beneficial. Is it the fairest system? No. Do we live in a fair world? Not even close. If the club was a wealthy one I'd be annoyed but as they live a hand to mouth existence I can understand the position. Let's not forget the successful applicant will gain invaluable experience to take forward in an ever saturated job market.

I think this maybe the most intelligent thing I've ever written!!

[durnzo]

Just read the apprentice rates bit, agree with that, but I don't know what the finances are like so won't say either way. I don't believe the club is taking a massive liberty though.

[DI Mike Dashwood]

Durnzo's first post sums it all up quite nicely I would say

[Mike the Dagger]

Trouble is, will there ever be a proper Sport Science "assistant" role, if we keep getting people doing it for free?

Hoewever, us doing this is some distance short of some of the bigger clubs that do the same. I know Reading were doing this last season.