About the Sports Industry in Australia
The Australian sports industry is one of the largest and most active in the world, with almost 100,000 Australians employed in the sector. Encompassing all careers that are related to the organisation, implementation, promotion or support of any sport related activities, this career is the perfect option for someone who wishes to stay involved in the exciting and dynamic Australian sports industry.
To succeed in a career in the Australian sports industry, it is crucial you chose the right training course. Whether it be an online sports management course, or on-campus sports psychology Bachelor’s degree, you should decide based on your needs and capabilities.
Career Outcomes in Sports and Fitness
There are many diverse options within the industry, drawing from a vast array of skills and expertise. Career prospects are not limited to physical prowess, there are additional opportunities in areas such as sports business, and sports medicine. These can include jobs such as; sports broadcaster, journalist, physiotherapist, film analyst, photographer, coach, business administrator, sponsorship manager, and more.
These career prospects are often more dynamic and offer greater opportunities than the name implies. A career in sports management goes beyond simply managing a player, or being an agent with a portfolio of clients. For the more scientifically inclined, a career as a statistician, sports nutritionist or sports psychologist is an ideal choice. There are also many opportunities in sports public relations, event organising, and advertising executive positions.
What’s the Sports Industry Like?
The Australian sports industry is rivalled by few countries, with the industry generating over $11 billion in 2016. Sport is more than a game down under, and the industry opportunities reflect that. Here’s some statistics that are good to know if you want to enter this exciting and often challenging industry:
- It’s expected that 10,000 jobs will become available in 2018
- There are over 2,000 sports administrators, 25,000 fitness instructors and 10,000 swimming coaches in Australia
- Sports salary varies on experience, education and specialisation. Whilst a stable hand may earn $38,400, a sports centre manager can earn over $60,000 per year
- There are also high levels of potential earnings available, with test cricketers earning over $900,000 per year and above
- The sports industry has a high level of self-employment and small business, especially with personal trainers who can earn upwards of $120,000
Sports and Fitness Courses
There are many different study options to suit a variety of desired outcomes, time frames, and study capabilities. Some may wish to complete a 6-month course on sports coaching, while others may want full-time and multi-year study. Whatever your ambitions, availability, and previous achievements, there are courses that will suit your needs.
Personal Training Courses
Are you passionate about helping others reach their health and fitness goals? A personal training course can provide you with the most relevant practical experience and theoretical knowledge to improve the lives’ of your future clients. A personal training qualification opens the door to many career opportunities in the fitness industry such as a strength trainer, atheletic trainer, personal trainer, and more.
Find your ideal personal trainer course today and take the first steps towards your fitness career!
Certificate
If you do not have prior qualifications, or wish to step into an entry level role, there are many certificate level courses that are available. Such certificates are usually completed in short time-frames, with a standard Certificate IV taking 12 months, studying for 8 hours a week to complete. These include qualifications such as a Certificate IV in Fitness, which may assist you in furthering your dream of becoming a self-employed fitness instructor. Or you could undertake a Certificate level trainers course, designed to advance your skills in areas such as coaching and development. Many of these are available as online-study modes, offering excellent opportunities to learn at your own pace and in your own time. These certificates are often a pathway into further study, and may even be prerequisites for some higher education courses.
Diploma
A Diploma level course is a next step in advancing your career. With options available through both online and on-campus study methods, these offer further insight and learning into a career path, and may open up even more doors for sports career hopefuls. A standard Diploma takes 18 months to complete, however, there are often options receive credit if you have previously completed a Certificate IV in a related discipline. If this is the case, you will usually only require an additional 6 months of study to obtain a Diploma. For example, a student may study a Certificate IV in Sports Nutrition, then progress to a Diploma of Advanced Sports Nutrition and graduate within 6 months, ready to join the workforce as a nutritionist – either with a company or working as a freelance advisor.
Bachelor Degree
A Bachelor’s degree is the highest level of undergraduate study you can do. Usually takes 3 years of full-time study to complete, with some advanced courses taking 4, this will allow you to work in a variety of positions and gain an advantage over less qualified applicants. Some jobs require no less than a Bachelor’s position, and this is especially the case in the more science-focused sports careers such as a sports physiotherapist. These can often be entered through achieving the required ATAR score in High-School, or by progressing from a Diploma. A Bachelor can open you up to more specialised and advanced positions such as a sports scientist, administrative and statistician positions, and more including a sports psychologist. There are both online and on-campus study options for most courses.
What Skills and Responsibilities Do You Need?
If you want to enjoy a successful and long-lasting career in sports, you should have a genuine passion for fitness, health, and fun. This, when combined with communication, organisation, and leadership skills will ensure you stay two steps ahead of the pack, and are kicking career goals from the start. The ability to work with people from all backgrounds, abilities, age groups, as well as a creative problem solving and planning approach will help you to continue to innovate in your position and reach higher positions.
If this sounds like you, or someone who you would like to be, stop thinking and start acting! Find your dream career now by searching our courses in sport to find the perfect fit for you.