Western Australia adopts new training arrangements for elite athletes

The Western Australian Government has opened up new career opportunities for Western Australian elite athletes after reducing the minimum hours required to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship from 15 or 20 hours per week to 7.5 hours per week averaged over six-month periods.

The new Elite Athletes Apprenticeship and Traineeship (EAAT) arrangements provide increased flexibility and make the system more equitable for elite athletes such as AFL players and Olympians.

Doing an apprenticeship or traineeship part-time has been out of reach for many elite athletes because of managing the demands of sport with the requirement to fulfil a minimum number of hours in order to gain a qualification.

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and the West Coast Eagles Football Club have played a significant role in the change with both being consulted on the development of the new arrangements.

For more information on the EAAT arrangements including eligibility criteria and fact sheets, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

Western Australian Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery notes “we’ve already had significant interest in the program, which highlights the need for the new Elite Athletes Apprenticeship and Traineeship (EAAT) arrangements.”     

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray added “sport is one of the foundations of West Aussie culture and our sporting stars bring so much to our community.

“It’s important for elite athletes’ wellbeing to have balance in all aspects of their lives.

“These new EAAT arrangements, supported by the Western Australian Institute of Sport and the West Coast Eagles, will help our elite athletes to diversify their interests during their sporting careers while supporting them to transition to life after sport.”