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• New flexible work arrangements to allow elite athletes to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship
• Change helps athletes juggle training or competition schedules with gaining a qualification   
• An apprenticeship or traineeship will give elite athletes greater post-sport opportunities
• New training arrangements supported by the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and the West Coast Eagles.

The State Government has opened up new career opportunities for Western Australian elite athletes after reducing the minimum hours required to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship.

The new Elite Athletes Apprenticeship and Traineeship (EAAT) arrangements provide increased flexibility and make the system more equitable for elite athletes such as AFL players and Olympians.

Doing an apprenticeship or traineeship part-time has been out of reach for many elite athletes because of managing the demands of sport with the requirement to fulfil a minimum number of hours in order to gain a qualification.

Minimum part-time hours will change from 15 or 20 hours per week to 7.5 hours per week for elite athletes, averaged over six-month periods.

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and the West Coast Eagles Football Club have played a significant role in the change with both being consulted on the development of the new arrangements.

More information on the EAAT arrangements including eligibility criteria and fact sheets or call the Apprenticeship Office Helpline on 13 19 54.