Deloitte and AIS Launch Ignite Program for Athlete Career Development

Deloitte Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), has introduced the Ignite Athlete Employment Program, a new initiative aimed at supporting the professional and athletic aspirations of Australian Olympians and Paralympians. This program provides a pathway for athletes to gain permanent employment within Deloitte while maintaining flexibility for training and competition.

The program is open to current, emerging, and transitioning athletes who meet professional qualification requirements. Up to ten participants will be selected in the first year, with positions available across various disciplines within Deloitte. A key focus of the program is offering flexible work arrangements that accommodate athletes’ demanding training schedules.

John Greig, Chair of Deloitte Australia, highlighted the program’s focus on leveraging the transferable skills athletes bring, such as resilience, adaptability, and goal orientation. These qualities, according to Greig, align closely with the attributes needed for a successful career in the corporate world.

The initiative also aligns with the AIS’s strategic priority of supporting athlete wellbeing. Matti Clements, Executive General Manager of AIS Performance, emphasised the challenges athletes face in balancing professional development with elite sporting commitments. By offering professional opportunities, the program aims to alleviate financial pressures, a factor that often contributes to athletes considering early retirement from sport.

Research indicates financial stress remains a significant barrier for many elite athletes, with annual incomes averaging between $23,000 and $49,000. Four-time Paralympic gold medallist and Deloitte team member Curtis McGrath OAM expressed optimism that programs like Ignite will keep athletes engaged in their sports for longer, ensuring Australia fields its strongest teams for upcoming events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Kieren Perkins OAM, CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, underscored the importance of preparing athletes for life after competition. He described the program as a valuable step in creating a supportive and flexible environment for athletes to develop their careers without compromising their athletic goals.

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