Gold Coast SUNS join forces with TAFE Queensland

The Gold Coast SUNS have announced a formal partnership with TAFE Queensland, designating the vocational education provider as their Official Education Partner.

This collaboration, which officially extends an existing partnership initiated in 2023, aims to develop educational and career pathways for students interested in the sports industry, while also strengthening the club’s community engagement.

The partnership’s core lies in the continuation and enhancement of the Gold Coast College of Sport and Business’s Dual Diploma program, which offers a Diploma of Sport combined with a Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Commenting on the partnership extension, chief executive of the Gold Coast SUNS, Mark Evans, said: “Our partnership with TAFE Queensland will allow the next generation of sports administrators to develop career-building skills, tailored to their individual career aspirations, all in the unique environment of a professional sporting club.”

Noting the value in an era of demand for job-ready skills, general manager operations at TAFE Queensland, Nik Babovic, expressed: “Training will be contextualised to support the specific skills required to succeed in elite sport and will give students valuable insights into the broader business of AFL as they develop skills in sport, leadership, and management.”

This model offers a competitive advantage for TAFE Queensland by providing unique, industry-integrated learning experiences that can lead to direct employment opportunities within the SUNS or other elite sporting organisations.

From TAFE Queensland’s perspective, the partnership provides students with direct exposure to a high-performance environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry application.

For the Gold Coast SUNS, this initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital development for the broader sports sector, while also fostering deeper community ties.

This program is designed to immerse students directly into the operational realities of a professional sporting organisation, providing 100 hours of practical engagement at the SUNS’ administration headquarters and elite training facilities.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.