Ignite Program to light up Aussie athletes

09 December 2024

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Deloitte Australia have today announced the launch of the Ignite Athlete Employment Program, designed to support and develop the athletic and professional ambitions of Australian Olympians and Paralympians.

Deloitte Australia team members Natalie Cook OAM and Curtis McGrath OAM standing alongside ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM.

Through this program, and with the support of the AIS (part of the Australian Sports Commission), Deloitte will offer successful applicants permanent positions across the firm. These positions will be available to emerging, current or transitioning Olympians and Paralympians who are interested in pursuing a career in professional services.

Chair of Deloitte Australia John Greigsaid: “Deloitte is proud to be a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner. We aspire to be the employer of choice for athletes who wish to pursue a career in professional services in parallel with their sporting career. Ignite has been specifically designed by athletes, for athletes, which allows sufficient flexibility to enable ongoing training and competition to co-exist with work and study commitments.

“Athletes understand high performance, being goal oriented, motivated, resilient and adaptable – the same transferrable skills required to build a rewarding career in professional services.

“My hope is that Ignite will help our Olympians and Paralympians reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said: “It’s no secret that being a successful high-performance (HP) athlete often comes with a full-time workload of training, competing and travelling.

“This commitment to their sport often sees work and study take a back seat for athletes and this can add further pressure, and compromise both their performance and wellbeing.

“The Ignite athlete employment program is an innovative and collaborative approach that aligns with our goal of supporting athletes to balance their performance with wellbeing to win well and inspire Australians.”

Ignite is open via application to any athlete interested in working in professional services at Deloitte. Applicants must have completed, or be in the final stages of completing, relevant professional qualifications.

Up to ten athletes will be selected to participate in the first year of Ignite. Flexibility is a core design principle that will enable successful applicants to balance their sporting and professional commitments.

Four-time Paralympic Gold Medallist and Deloitte Australia team member Curtis McGrath OAM said: “When you’re a professional athlete, training and qualifying is only half the battle – regrettably, many of us feel like we have to sacrifice financial security to compete, and that can have consequences.

“Research suggests almost half of all hopefuls for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032 have considered leaving their sport due to financial and mental health issues, while the average annual income for an elite Australian athlete sits between $23,000-$49,000.

“This important program will keep high performing athletes in sport for longer, so we bring our best to Brisbane 2032 and the Games beyond.”

Australian Sports Commission CEO and two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Kieren Perkins OAMsaid: “As part of the ASC, the Australian Institute of Sport is dedicated to supporting athletes to achieve their best in sport and life.

“It’s critical for athletes to prepare for life after competition and this is often a juggle while still wearing the green and gold.

“Ignite will engage and support athletes in their learning journeys and career paths in a flexible and supportive environment.”

More information about the program can be found here.