Australia's upcoming and elite athletes will have the opportunity to prepare for a life after sport through an innovative trade training program unveiled in Sydney today by the Howard Government.

The ‘Life After Sport' program is a new, highly flexible approach to gaining a trade apprenticeship to fit in with the demanding and unique schedules of our professional sportsmen and women.

Video: Learn more about this exciting new scheme.

The announcement was made this morning at Sydney Olympic Park by the Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb, and the Minister for Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis.

"Very few professional sportspeople prepare for a second career after sport, yet the average sporting life of people in many major sports is no more than four years," said Mr Robb.

"Starting a trade while competing professionally can mean our sporting heroes, and aspiring heroes, keep their feet on the ground and can often help take the pressure off their game enabling some to enjoy a long and successful career."

Program backed by Aussie sports stars

Also attending the launch was AFL Legend and Ambassador, Kevin Sheedy, and representatives from the AFL, NRL, Swimming and Cricket New South Wales, who welcomed the new venture.

"The transition into the normal workforce can be a big culture shock for those sportspeople who haven't prepared for life after sport, who haven't acquired other skills, who are not used to the routine of the working week and no longer in the spotlight - it's hard, but it's also real life," said Mr Sheedy. 

Richmond midfield, Jake King, was a plumber before becoming a well-known player in the AFL. 

"I'll always be a tradie," he said. "It's a great career and I know that when I finish playing football I'll be able to continue working as a plumber and maybe even start my own business."

Up-and-coming NRL star to participate

Aspiring NRL player Rowan Brown is a prime example of an athlete who will benefit from the program. A young front-rower from Milton - Ulladulla on NSW's South Coast, the 18-year-old could not move to Sydney previously because it would have put in jeopardy his job as an automotive apprentice.

This year he will play in the newly-introduced Toyota Cup which provides the opportunity for him to continue his trade while entering the professional ranks. The capacity for him to continue his trade if he progresses through to the senior grade is welcomed by both the game and players like Rowan.

"The opportunity to continue my apprenticeship while pursuing my dream to play in the NRL is one I really appreciate," he said."There is no certainty in professional sport and I also am enjoying learning the skills that will give me an alternate career."

Providing flexibility and a long-term future

The Trade Apprenticeships for Life After Sport program is a Commonwealth-funded joint initiative with Group Training Australia (GTA) and AFL Sports Ready, and will offer professional athletes, across many sports:

• the flexibility to mix training with study enabling them to complete an apprenticeship part time over 8 years instead of the existing 4 years;
• the opportunity for on the job work experience to be completed with employers in block periods during the off season, and
• the scheduling of their formal studies around their training and competition programme.

The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Jim Barron said the program will allow athletes to use the time they have available to undertake a flexible form of trade training that will meet their own needs as well as that of an employer.

"Previously athletes have experienced difficulty participating in an apprenticeship due to a lack of flexibility in training delivery."

"We want to develop a structured program that allows athletes to harness the enthusiasm and drive that has propelled their sporting career and use it to build a long-term future."

"The average career lifespan of most athletes is limited in professional sport due to injury, form or lack of opportunities. This can provide balance in their life and also help ease concerns that many have over what to do when their sports careers cease," Mr Barron said.

An initial intake of 25 apprenticeships will kick-start the program. Expressions of interest already number more than 30 from such sports as AFL, NRL and cricket.

Applications will open from December 2007 with further information available from Nathan Bower at AFL Sports Ready on (03) 8663 3030.