Partnership sets students up for cricketing careers

Located at the world-class Allan Border Field precinct in Albion, the program offers a fully integrated pathway combining cricket education, sports management, and athlete development with multiple study pathway options.

A highlight of this initiative is the combination of a high school-focused delivery, the two-year Brisbane Heat TAFE at School Program, and a post-school one-year Diploma Program through The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business.

As part of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, the Brisbane Heat TAFE at School program, exclusively hosted by Queensland Cricket, allows senior secondary students to participate one day a week during their final two years of school.

Students in the school program will undertake two qualifications: the Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) and the Certificate III in Sport - Athlete (SIS30421), undertaking strength and conditioning, nets and field-based cricket-specific training and athlete development workshops as part of the program.

Successful completion can contribute up to eight Queensland Certificate of Education credit points and count towards their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Eligibility for entry begins from Year 10 or 11, commencing in 2025.

For passionate cricketers graduating from school or adult learners looking for a change in career, The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business offers a comprehensive 12-month dual award program that includes the Diploma of Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Sport (BSB50420/SIS50321).

Based at the premier Elite Cricket facility in the precinct, students will receive specialised coaching, learn from expert guest speakers and gain practical experience within the professional cricket industry.

Additionally, TAFE Queensland has several tertiary pathway options allowing graduates to move into the second year of a number of bachelor degrees with a broad range of university partners.

Importantly, the TAFE Queensland-delivered dual diploma is supplemented by 100 hours of work-integrated learning across Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat operations.

This practical experience is designed to enhance students' resumes and equip them with job-ready skills essential for success in the industry.

Participants in both programs will benefit from exclusive access to Queensland Cricket headquarters, gaining invaluable insights into event management, community engagement, facility operations, fan interaction, and match-day protocols.

Brian Heim, Acting General Manager of TAFE Queensland Brisbane, emphasised this partnership's significance in equipping aspiring cricketers with the necessary skills and knowledge to kickstart their careers in elite sport.

“This partnership will see students receive specialised cricket coaching in a world-class facility, gain real industry experience and build their skills from Queensland Cricket’s industry experts, players and coaches,” he said.

“Being based at the iconic Allan Border Field will give students unparalleled insights into Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat as they build their professional sports industry career.”

“We’re proud that the TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport continues to develop the professional sporting skills of our students through holistic, performance-based programs developed specifically to help grow and develop the sport of cricket,” said Mr Heim.

Terry Svenson, CEO of Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat, congratulated TAFE Queensland for its innovative educational approach.

“Whether completing school or embarking on a new career pathway, we anticipate there will be many young people who will jump at the chance to be part of this partnership between TAFE Queensland and Queensland Cricket,’’ he said.

“This approach caters to a wide range of interests, whether in the coaching, participation or elite cricket space, through to the specialised match day delivery of a world-class Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) or Big Bash League (BBL) event featuring the Brisbane Heat at an iconic venue like the Gabba.

“We’re excited to provide this opportunity for the community and look forward to witnessing the potential that it will unlock,’’ Svenson said.

Expressions of interest for these programs open today, with the first cohort scheduled to commence in Semester 1, 2025.

The official unveiling of the Brisbane Heat TAFE at School Program and The Queensland Cricket Institute of Sport and Business will take place at a launch event on 21 August at Allan Border Field, Albion starting at 5.30pm.