Register your interest in AFL SportsReady’s Schools Program using the form below or contact
Brent Carlyle on 0417 832 319 or brent.carlyle@aflsportsready.com.au

Help Shape the Future of Education!

At AFL SportsReady, we believe strong school communities create strong futures. Our Schools Traineeship Program is more than a pathway into employment, it’s an opportunity to nurture emerging talent, strengthen your workforce and create lasting impact across your school community.

When schools invest in trainees, they invest in future educators. Many of our trainees discover a passion for education and go on to become qualified teachers, often returning to the very communities where their journey began.

It’s a powerful cycle of opportunity, connection and growth.



  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Support the Next Generation of Educators

    Traineeships do more than support schools today, they help inspire tomorrow’s teachers.

    By providing hands-on experience and professional development, schools play a direct role in shaping future educators who understand the value of community and connection.

    Many of our trainees discover a love for education and return as qualified staff, helping secure a future workforce for your school.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Ease Teacher Workloads

    Our trainees provide valuable classroom and administrative support, helping to reduce pressure on teaching staff. This gives educators more time to focus on what matters most: delivering meaningful learning experiences for students.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Build a Vibrant School Community

    Trainees bring fresh energy, enthusiasm and relatable mentorship into schools. Whether supporting sports programs, assisting in classrooms or engaging with younger students, they create stronger connections that enhance student engagement and belonging.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Strengthen Your Future Workforce

    Investing in trainees today helps build a pipeline of skilled, passionate professionals for tomorrow. Many trainees maintain lasting connections with their host schools, returning as educators and leaders who continue to strengthen and sustain school communities for years to come.


Where Trainees Make an Impact

Schools across Australia are facing increasing staffing pressures and evolving workforce challenges. AFL SportsReady trainees provide flexible support across key areas including: Administration, classroom support, library services, sport and recreation and STEAM programs – just to name a few.

Schools contribute to the cost of hosting a trainee through a simple, budget-friendly model that can be easily incorporated into existing staffing and operational budgets. In return, schools receive flexible, on-the-ground support across essential areas while actively developing the next generation of education professionals.


Real Results. Lasting Impact.

Partnering with AFL SportsReady helps schools:

  • Reduce staffing pressure
  • Enhance student engagement
  • Strengthen school culture
  • Build sustainable workforce pathways
  • Create future educators from within their own communities
It’s more than a traineeship program. It’s an investment in your school’s future.

 


 

Complete the form below to register your interest in becoming a Host Employer with AFL SportsReady. Our team will be in touch to discuss how we can support your school through the Schools Traineeship Program.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
EOI for 2026 Schools Campaign

Which category best describes your school?
Please select the areas in which you are interested in placing a trainee:
Areas of Interest
Have you partnered with AFL SportsReady before?
Will you handle recruitment for this role internally, or will you need AFL SportsReady to assist?


FAQ’s

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. What does AFL have to do with this?

    AFL SportsReady is a national not-for-profit organisation. It was founded by Kevin Sheedy AO in 1994 to support young Australians through on-the-job training and education. Initially partnering with AFL Clubs, AFL SportsReady now works across a wide range of industries including business, education, finance, retail, sport, IT and the arts.

     

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Who employs the trainee?

    AFL SportsReady is the legal employer, however the trainee will be “hosted” at your school where they will work day-to-day. As the legal employer, AFL SportsReady takes care of all administrative matters including payroll, superannuation, WorkCover and the arrangement of the educational components of the traineeship.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Who selects the trainee to work in my school?

     AFL SportsReady will consult directly with you on your school’s needs and the qualities you are seeking in a trainee. We will then shortlist applicants based on the identified criteria and present these to you for your consideration and your final decision. You have the final say in who gets the job.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. How is the education component organised?

    AFL SportsReady will work with the host employer to determine the most suitable qualification based on the duties the trainee will undertake. Trainees attend regular training sessions led by an educator from our RTO SportsReady Education or one of our RTO partners. These sessions are designed to support trainees in working towards their qualification.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. What support do trainees receive?

    Each trainee is assigned an Employment Coach and an Educator to provide ongoing support throughout the traineeship. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees also have a First Nations Mentor.

  • plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch. Contact us

    If you’re interested in partnering with our Schools Program or have any questions, please contact Brent Carlyle on 0417 832 319 or brent.carlyle@aflsportsready.com.au