QAS announces major partners for Dream Twice athlete employment program

TAFE Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), will become the first partners of the QAS program which focuses on partnering elite athletes with Queensland businesses to provide flexible, paid employment opportunities to complement and support their sporting careers now and into the future.

Jessica Walker, Director of Performance Partnerships at QAS said the inaugural partners would support athlete’s career dreams beyond their professional sporting careers.

"These partnerships signify a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting athletes comprehensively, ensuring they are prepared for success both on and off the field, she said

"It is well evidenced that skills athletes acquire on the sporting field are highly transferable and desirable in the business world—skills such as teamwork, attention to detail, resilience, and entrepreneurship.

“Through this collaboration, we are pioneering a holistic model of athlete support that prioritises long-term development and empowers athletes to realise their full potential in sports and life beyond the game”.

The partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland supports economic growth and talent development, recognising the invaluable qualities possessed by athletes, such as motivation, resilience, and determination. Trade and Investment Queensland will offer athletes exposure to diverse departments across the organisation giving them an insight into their workplace and culture.

Quotes attributable to Justin McGowan, CEO Trade and Investment Queensland:

“As the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency, we are well placed to explore career opportunities for our elite athletes.

“As Queensland’s athletes continue on the runway to 2032, our TIQ team aspire to have the same determination, perseverance, and harnessing of potential as our elite Queensland athletes.

“We know our elite athletes worry about their professional futures after training for years to achieve an Olympic podium position. At TIQ we want to embrace their unique gifts and provide valuable working experiences.

“TIQ want our Queensland athletes to showcase their talents in 2032 to a global audience, safe in the knowledge that the Dream Twice program has given them skills and professional networks that will carry them for decades after they’ve achieved their sporting dreams.”

Tourism and Events Queensland will connect athletes with the state’s tourism and events industry, offering opportunities to engage in a range of activities as the industry works towards bold growth goals, underpinned by the opportunity of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Working across functions including marketing, events, commercial and partnerships and corporate governance, athletes will be offered experience across the business.

Quotes attributed to Patricia O’Callaghan, CEO Tourism and Events Queensland:

CEO Patricia O’Callaghan welcomed the new partnership.

“An athlete will bring unique perspective and experience to the work we do at TEQ and I am excited by this opportunity to partner with QAS to support the Dream Twice initiative and partner with Queensland’s elite athletes.

“We are all working towards 2032 being a huge success for Queensland, so this partnership brings a powerful opportunity to collaborate and provide benefits to both athletes and our business.”

TAFE Queensland will allow athletes to explore flexible employment options across various and provide athletes access to world-class vocational education and training, empowering them to cultivate essential skills and qualifications for their future careers.

Quotes attributed to John Tucker, CEO TAFE Queensland:  

John Tucker, CEO at TAFE Queensland said Dream Twice reflects the commitment of both organisations to delivering life-changing training and skills and exploring new flexible career pathway opportunities tailored specifically to the needs of athletes.

“For over 140 years, TAFE Queensland has helped people change their lives and achieve their career aspirations. We are excited to partner with the QAS to equip their athletes with the skills they need for a thriving professional career beyond elite sporting success,” he said.

On 14 May, the QAS will be hosting a Dream Twice Showcase event to share more information on the program and provide an opportunity for Queensland businesses to network with athletes interested in flexible work.

For more information about the Dream Twice Athlete Employment Program and to express your interest in the upcoming Dream Twice Showcase, complete the expression of interest form on the QAS website: https://www.qasport.qld.gov.au/inside-qas/initiatives/dream-twice-athlete-employment-program .