The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has announced a new coach apprenticeship program, giving the opportunity for a two-year paid working apprenticeship for aspiring high performance coaches.

The AIS will run the program, but will co-fund salaries in coordination with participating state and territory institutes of sports, and national sporting organisations.

Applications remain open until 1 April, in preparation of the first National Generation 2032 Coach Program (NG32CP) where the AIS aims to increase the depth and diversity of high-performance coaches for Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on the program, AIS acting chief executive officer, Matti Clements, said: “The future success of Australian athletes and sport relies on expanding our coaching pipeline at all levels, so we have a laser-like focus on identifying, developing and retaining our best coaching talent so we can build sustainable success.”

“Our expectation is that these Gen32 coaching graduates will transition into full-time employment at the end of the program and become our coaching leaders of the future.

“These AIS Learning Labs will focus on contemporary ways of delivering coaching to future generations of athletes through enhanced use of innovation and technology, advanced interpersonal and leadership skills, and an increased understanding of athlete development.

“We also want to put an emphasis on coach wellbeing.

“It’s common in coaching programs such as these that developing coaches tend to work excessive hours, compromising their coaching, learning and growth,” she said.

The announcement comes after Ministry of Sport spoke to University of Sunshine Coast (USC) head of physical performance in high performance sport, Dr Mark McKean.