The Department of Education has announced new flexible work arrangements to allow elite athletes to undertake apprenticeships or traineeships.
The Elite Athletes Apprenticeship and Traineeship (EAAT) arrangements provide increased flexibility and make the system more equitable for elite athletes such as Australian Football League players and Olympians.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said that doing an apprenticeship or traineeship part-time had 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.
“Minimum part-time hours will change from 15 or 20 hours per week to 7.5 hours per week for elite athletes, averaged over six-month periods,” Ms Ellery said.
“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.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mick Murray said sport was one of the foundations of the State’s culture and sporting stars brought so much to the community.
“It’s important for elite athletes’ wellbeing to have balance in all aspects of their lives,” Mr Murray said.
“These new EAAT arrangements will help our elite athletes to diversify their interests during their sporting careers while supporting them to transition to life after sport.”
