Queensland Cricket and TAFE Queensland partner in new education pathway

Queensland Cricket, in partnership with TAFE Queensland, is to introduce an innovative cricket education partnership aimed at senior secondary and post-school students in 2025.

Located at the Allan Border Field precinct in the Brisbane suburb of Albion, the program will offer a fully integrated pathway combining cricket education, sports management and athlete development with multiple study pathway options.

A highlight of this initiative is the combination of a high school-focused delivery, the two-year Brisbane Heat TAFE at School Program, and a post-school one-year Diploma Program through The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business.

As part of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, the Brisbane Heat TAFE at School program, exclusively hosted by Queensland Cricket, allows senior secondary students to participate one day a week during their final two years of school.

Students in the school program will undertake two qualifications: the Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) and the Certificate III in Sport - Athlete (SIS30421), undertaking strength and conditioning, nets and field-based cricket-specific training and athlete development workshops as part of the program.

Successful completion can contribute up to eight Queensland Certificate of Education credit points and count towards their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Eligibility for entry begins from Year 10 or 11, commencing in 2025.

For passionate cricketers graduating from school or adult learners looking for a change in career, The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business offers a comprehensive 12-month dual award program that includes the Diploma of Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Sport (BSB50420/SIS50321).

Students will receive specialised coaching, learn from expert guest speakers and gain practical experience within the professional cricket industry.

Additionally, TAFE Queensland has several tertiary pathway options allowing graduates to move into the second year of a number of bachelor degrees with a broad range of university partners.

Brian Heim, Acting General Manager of TAFE Queensland Brisbane, emphasised this partnership's significance in equipping aspiring cricketers with the necessary skills and knowledge to kickstart their careers in elite sport.

Helm stated “this partnership will see students receive specialised cricket coaching in a world-class facility, gain real industry experience and build their skills from Queensland Cricket’s industry experts, players and coaches.

“Being based at the iconic Allan Border Field will give students unparalleled insights into Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat as they build their professional sports industry career.”

“We’re proud that the TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport continues to develop the professional sporting skills of our students through holistic, performance-based programs developed specifically to help grow and develop the sport of cricket.”

Expressions of interest for these programs are now open, with the first cohort scheduled to commence in Semester 1, 2025.

The official unveiling of the Brisbane Heat TAFE at School Program and The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business will take place at a launch event on 21st August at Allan Border Field, Albion starting at 5.30pm.