Traineeship shapes Glenn’s career in the AFL

Tassie local Glenn Balmforth describes his AFL SportsReady traineeship as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life and with good reason, it led him to his current role, working as AFLW Western Bulldogs Football Operations Coordinator.

‘My traineeship kick-started my Journey in the sports industry and gave me the passion and drive to succeed within the AFL,’ said Glenn.

If you want to work in the sporting industry, this is your way in,’ he added.

Like most of our trainees, Glenn wanted to jump straight into the work force when he finished school to get hands-on experience in an industry he was passionate about.

‘I was hungry to learn and undertaking an AFL SportsReady traineeship was a great opportunity to gain invaluable experience through on the job learning, while gaining qualifications that would help set up my future in sports,’ Glenn explained.

Glenn completed his traineeship with Hawthorn Football Club as Tasmanian Operations Administrator, where he was responsible for membership and ticketing at UTAS Stadium, coordinating community camps, assisting with growing the game across junior competitions and even helping with the club’s 2008 premiership celebrations in Tasmania.

‘Through my traineeship, I was able to witness and learn first-hand about professionalism and hard work that is required to succeed in the sports industry.

‘Starting my career with Hawthorn ended up being a great decision. The club was so good to me and the staff went out of their way to expose me to a variety of different roles and experiences, which as a result- helped shape my career to date within the AFL industry.’

Upon completing his traineeship Glenn was offered full-time employment in the same role and continued to work within the industry including, Glenorchy Football club and later moving to Melbourne to fulfil a role at Melbourne Football Club.

‘I have loved absolutely every minute of being involved with Football Clubs. They are an amazing place to build long-lasting relationships and strive for outcomes in a team environment.’

In 2016 Glenn took on his current role as Football Operations Coordinator for the AFLW Western Bulldogs.

‘So far it has been a fantastic experience being a part of the development of an AFLW competition and seeing the enormous impact the AFLW competition has had on the growth of females playing Australian Rules Football.’

Glenn owes his career head start to his traineeship.

‘The on the job experience that you gain from an AFL SportsReady traineeship is unreal. It creates so many avenues to learn and progress your career with some great people there to give you guidance along the way.’

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: 29th of May 2018

AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello

IMAGE: Glenn Balmforth