PwC Australia’s athlete work experience program supports athletes careers alongside sporting pursuits and beyond

PwC Australia today announced the launch of its elite athlete employment program, a long term sustainable program that is the first of its kind in Australia, providing elite athletes flexible, paid employment at the firm. The program allows athletes the opportunity to integrate work around their training and competition requirements and will support in understanding and planning for career pathways beyond their sporting pursuits.

PwC Australia has been collaborating with the sports sector to co-design the athlete work experience program and the pilot commences this month in Brisbane, Australia. Six athletes from various sporting codes including athletics (long jump), basketball, hockey, swimming and canoe sprint will be participating. The program will run for 12 weeks and athletes will earn an income and gain valuable work experience, with a view over time to join PwC Australia or potentially other employers in a full-time capacity after retiring from sport.

Chris Rogan, PwC Brisbane Markets Managing Partner said, "PwC Australia is committed to creating a positive impact with athletes and recognising their potential to become successful business leaders. Our elite athlete employment program will provide Australia's top athletes with the skills they need to have a thriving professional career alongside their sporting career, as well as long after sport, and we're excited to welcome the athletes to the firm.

"The program is inclusive to gender, ability, cultural backgrounds and sports, where PwC celebrates the unique experiences of all participants. The first phase of the program has attracted two Paralympians (Basketball and Swimming), an Olympian (Swimming) and three other aspiring Olympians. They will be client facing, working on current projects, and integrated into the working team to build corporate experience and understanding."

Mr Rogan said the program will give athletes the opportunity to pursue their corporate and non sporting ambitions during their athletic career to support them through retirement and transition.

In addition to flexible employment, athletes will have learning and development opportunities to drive their ongoing development and wellbeing. They will also have the opportunity to connect with colleagues through events and broaden their corporate network during their sporting career, as well as receive support through their career transition with enhanced corporate skills and employment avenues.

The topic around athlete career transition and wellbeing is an emerging one and with several international competitions to be hosted in Australia in the coming years, there is increased focus on programs that support athlete development and wellbeing.

Mr Rogan said, "Elite athletes have to manage a sustainable short-term career within sport but also a career transition to develop sustainable long-term careers after sport. Many deal with the challenges of financial and mental health concerns after retiring from sport and we want to empower our athletes and show them that there can be a fulfilling professional life after sport."

According to a report by the Australian Sports Foundation, 50% of aspiring Olympians and Paralympians earn less than $23,000 per year including their sport and external paid work, which is well below the national minimum wage. Those who leave sporting careers may then struggle to get jobs due to a lack of work experience. Participants in the program will be paid at the graduate salary, pro-rata (all PwC graduates are paid above the minimum wage).

"Elite athletes possess critical skills acquired through sport such as communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience and discipline. These skills can be adapted in the corporate world and are important aspects in athletes transitioning to a successful professional career," Mr Rogan concluded.

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