Former trainee stays on at Richmond FC

Liam Gilson is still buzzing after Richmond Football Club became premiers in 2017, working right in the midst of the action, he describes it as one of the best experiences of his life.

‘I’ve been extremely lucky with this traineeship opportunity to work at a football club, being employed at Richmond has been a whirlwind experience since their Grand Final win,’ said Liam.

Completing his retail traineeship at the football club in 2016, he was offered full-time employment and is now working as their Membership Sales Officer.

‘Prior to my current role, I was part of the merchandise department, working all match days.

I was then promoted to a senior role managing the casual staff as well as ensuring stock remained filled in the shop.’

Through his traineeship Liam was shown the ropes around the football club and as he learned more skills and became confident in his role he was trusted to take on bigger projects.

‘My managers gave me the opportunity to head the memorabilia campaign after the Brownlow and Grand Final, this was the most challenging project as it was the biggest memorabilia campaign in Australian Sports History.

It was my greatest career highlight to date.’

As part of his traineeship Liam also studied a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, allowing him to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry to improve his practical work.

‘I decided to take on a traineeship because I was studying a Health Science degree at uni and realised it just wasn’t for me. The traineeship was more hands on and the qualification was exactly what I needed. It gave me a greater teaching of the industry and allowed me to gain a much deeper insight into my role making me an expert by the time I finished.’

Liam describes his traineeship experience as ‘Exciting, rewarding, and insightful’ and believes it is an essential stepping stone for those who want to make it in the AFL Industry.

‘I recommend a traineeship to all my mates or to anyone who wants to work in sport. It was how I got my start and I wouldn’t be working at the Richmond Football Club without it.’

To find out more about the diverse range of rewarding careers available through vocational education and training, and watch the real skills for real careers video, visit www.myskills.gov.au.

#realskillsforrealcareers

 

 Date: 23rd of March 2018

Author: Marissa Pagliarello

Image: Liam with premiership cup