Bayley begins his career with the Broncos

"I was working a deputy manager in Bundaberg while figuring out where to take my career, whether that was university or climbing the ladder at work," said Bayley.

"When I received an email about the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute, I was blown away because I'd never seen anything like it, and it was perfect. I could see how it would turn my desire to work in the sports industry into reality."

Bayley was so inspired after researching the course that it compelled him to leave Bundaberg and chase his dreams.

Enrolling to study the Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420) at the club's Red Hill headquarters.

Guided by experts from the industry, he learnt sport, leadership, and management with the support of the Brisbane Broncos, elite high-performance staff and players providing invaluable professional insights and experience.

During his studies, Bayley's learning was accelerated by completing 100 hours of work-integrated learning across the club's various teams.

"I helped with game day activities in the fan zone and corporate areas, assisted the membership team, and helped manage both the presentation ball and season launch events."

"The work integrated learning gave me invaluable insights into what goes into organising and delivering events and how much effort goes into a football club. Seeing what goes on behind the scenes and how the club comes together to deliver what we see on the TV is amazing," he explains.

Working as part of the team behind the team, Bayley's leadership skills dramatically increased as his confidence in leading people and trusting himself to deliver and achieve the goals of a project.

"This course gave me professional knowledge, skills, ability and perspective, as well as a lot of confidence to get to where I want to go in the sports industry."

A vital component of Bayley's training was his teachers, Grant Dwyer, Graham Lesson and Expo Mejia, who brought years of industry experience and learning to the classroom.

"The teachers are just so fantastic; they have a lot of life experience and taught us a lot of additional and useful information. They connected with us and gained our trust, and we wanted to learn and be our best. They each played a massive role in my training."

Describing his class as more of a team than a cohort, Bayley also relished being around like-minded people from various backgrounds to enrich his study experience.

"My classmates were amazing – as the first cohort to study this program, we were all in it together. We supported and got behind each other, leaned on and helped each other. It was such a positive environment, boosting our confidence even more."

A vital component of Bayley's studies was the masterclasses he received from the Broncos' elite high-performance employees, who gave him insights into the business side of the club, their roles, and his work experience in the industry.

"Each head of department gave us an in-depth presentation about their area of the club and what it takes to be in their role. From the head coach to past and present players and head of player development, their stories opened our eyes to each area and helped shape where we wanted to go."

"Seeing how much goes into a football club from behind the curtain was incredible, and you don't understand it until you're in it - it's truly amazing."

Students who complete the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute course can be considered for a graduate role at the Brisbane Broncos, with Bayley being one of four who secured a role with the club in 2024.

"I was lucky enough to become an engagement officer, responsible for engaging with schools, assisting with marketing, and meeting growth targets."

"Thanks to my TAFE Queensland course, I confidently perform at a high level in this elite environment. Every day, I use my emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and leadership skills to sit down, focus and perform my role each day to a high level."

“This course is an excellent opportunity to get into the sporting industry. The connections you make, the content you learn, and the network you build are transferrable to different clubs and organisations. So, if you want to do it, study this program – I highly recommend it," concluded Bayley.