Elite Athlete TAFE Network (EATN)

The Elite Athlete TAFE Network (EATN) is part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Career and Education, one of five programs within the AIS’ approach to Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement.  TDA member TAFEs and dual sector universities support the AIS’ vision for athlete wellbeing and engagement so high performing athletes can learn, thrive and contribute to the community during their sporting careers, and in life post elite sport.

TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) and the AIS are working together through the Elite Athlete TAFE Network, enabling the Network of TAFEs across Australia to provide education and training to athletes looking to pursue an applied education or vocational pathway.

The program is an expansion of the existing Elite Athlete Education Network and is based on feedback from athletes looking for the types of courses TAFEs provide; applied education and skills training that is flexible, utilises online study, and is connected to employment.

The programs within the Elite Athlete TAFE Network allow athletes to successfully manage the dual tasks of high performance sport and tertiary study at a TAFE.

The AIS has signed agreements with the Canberra Institute of TechnologyHolmesglenChisholm, TAFE SA, TAFE NSWSouth Metropolitan TAFE WA and TAFE Queensland, and it is working with TAFEs in other states to expand the reach for athletes. In addition five TDA member dual sector university TAFE divisions, RMITSwinburne UniversityFederation University Charles Darwin University, and Central Queensland University, are also on board as part of the EATN

The AIS puts a large focus on continuous, lifelong learning and education is an important component of the strategy to support athlete wellbeing through mental health, careers, education, and community engagement initiatives.

“The nature of high performance sport means athletes are often required to relocate during their sporting careers. TAFE is best placed to offer courses that are nationally recognised, online and can ease the burden of moving part way through a course. TAFE courses are also ideal as pre-requisites for many degrees should the athlete decide when the time is right to pursue higher level qualifications,” said Ros Holding, Careers and Education Consultant at the AIS.

TDA welcomes the collaboration with the AIS and looks forward to hearing of the success stories and athlete student experiences both in the classroom and on the sporting field.