Since 2000, we have kick-started the careers of over 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.
“TO SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE”
From the Djab Wurrung people of Victoria.
The Warumilang Program is our dedicated Indigenous employment and training initiative, that creates culturally safe pathways into work, study and long-term careers.
We support Indigenous people at every stage of their journey — whether they’re leaving school, studying at university, entering the workforce or exploring a new career path.
Through strong partnerships with employers across Australia, we help participants build skills, gain qualifications and access meaningful career opportunities.
Partner with Us
We deliver structured traineeships, cadetships and school-based opportunities that connect Indigenous participants with real jobs, qualifications and long-term career pathways. By partnering with organisations across Australia, we create meaningful Indigenous employment pathways while helping employers build sustainable talent pipelines and stronger, more inclusive teams.
Our team works closely with you to tailor an employment model that aligns with your workforce goals, supports your Reconciliation Action Plan, and creates genuine opportunities for Indigenous young people.
We support employers by:
- Attracting Indigenous applicants through culturally safe recruitment practices
- Screening and matching candidates to suitable roles
- Supporting onboarding, mentoring and ongoing development
- Tailoring traineeship and cadetship models to workforce needs
- Supporting Reconciliation Action Plans
Together, we create genuine career opportunities for Indigenous participants while helping organisations build stronger, more inclusive teams.
To learn more, contact Eliza.Peterson@aflsportsready.com.au or register your interest below.
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Cadetships
The First Nations Cadetship Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students throughout their degree by providing paid work experience in their chosen field.
The only cost to the host organisation is the cadet’s wage, there are no administration or program fees to partner with AFL SportsReady.
Cadetship Program requirements:
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Provide a minimum of 50 days of work placement per academic year
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Offer placement for at least 12 months (ideally for the duration of the student’s degree)
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Submit a quarterly progress update on the cadet’s attendance, performance and development
School-Based Traineeships (SBTs)
For secondary school students aged 16+. Students work while completing school and a nationally recognised qualification.
- Paid real-world work experience
- Hands-on learning in a supportive workplace
- Early pathway into future careers
Traineeships
For school leavers or those starting their career journey. Participants combine paid employment with formal training to gain a nationally recognised qualification while building practical workplace skills.
- Paid full-time or part-time employment
- Debt-free nationally recognised qualification
- Opportunities across sport, arts, community, education, business and more
- Pathways into further study or ongoing employment
Why We’re Different
We know strong support leads to strong outcomes. Our wraparound support model helps participants thrive while supporting employers to build inclusive and successful workplaces.
Every participant is supported by a dedicated team, including:
- An Indigenous Mentor providing cultural and personal guidance
- An Employment Coach supporting workplace success and progression
- A training provider and Educator delivering formal education
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If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person, we have opportunities to help you build skills, gain real-world experience and take the next step toward a meaningful career. Explore Identified Roles or view All Opportunities to find the pathway that’s right for you.
AFL SportsReady acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land and pays its respects to all First Nations peoples. We acknowledge the spiritual, physical and cultural connection First Nations peoples have with country as the first people of the land.
