Education and training opportunities in the sport and recreation industry to update knowledge or achieve qualifications are increasingly available, however they are not always offered in formats that suit modern lifestyles.

Related topics: development,management,training

A three-year program for the design and implementation of a co-ordinated, comprehensive and flexible professional development program for the sport and recreation industry commenced in 2007.

The number of training opportunities in sport and recreation are far greater than ever before but this does not necessarily reflect employment opportunities, or the needs of industry.

With that in mind, an Industry Training and Development Team has been established within the Department of Sport and Recreation Services to lead this initiative.

Based on previous research and data collected, the comprehensive three-year plan will support the development of the sport and recreation industy's organisations and personnel. The intent of the program is to be targeted in nature, in order to meet the specific needs of the industry.

The overarching goals of the Department are to provide training and development opportunities to assist both paid and non-paid personnel in associations, clubs and organisations across the State.

The department is improving its market intelligence to determine areas of greatest need. That information will allow it to provide training opportunities through direct contact and for self-directed learning through a number of initiatives including:

• Scholarships
• Forums
• Workshops
• Podcasting
• Video Link
• Meetings
• Mentoring and Coaching

The streams targeted for the next three years include: 

• Leadership
• Governance
• Information Management
• Administration
• Facility Management

Leadership is integral to the success of all organisations and involves both paid and non-paid personnel.

The Department of Sport and Recreation is investing in to build the capacity of potential leaders in the sport and recreation industry with a long term view to increasing the number of contemporary leaders who can grow the industry.

Where would you like to go next?

Assessors Course

The NCAS and NOAS use competency based training principles, which involves assessment of the coach or official in order to gain an accreditation.

Career Development Program

The Sport and Recreation Career Pathways Program is underway for 2010! The program gives participants an increased understanding of the industry and develops skills that will increase their capacity to work within the sport and recreation industry. Participants are selected into the program through an application process.

Certificate IV Training and Assessment

The Department of Sport and Recreation also offers a sports related Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Governance/Leadership Workshops

Workshops aiming to develop the skills and expertise of board members and professionals working within the sport industry.

Workforce Planning Workshop

An interactive, thought-provoking and solution-driven workshop that will link directly into the development of a post workshop People Development Action Plan for each participant.

Certificate III in Fitness

The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) and Central TAFE have joined forces for a pilot project offering a Certificate III in Fitness course for adults from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) backgrounds, and registrations are now open.

Dr Heather MacGowan, OAM, Scholarship

The Dr Heather MacGowan, OAM, Scholarship recognises the life's work and achievements of an inspirational and extraordinary woman.

Emerging Leaders Program

The Department of Sport and Recreation is investing significant funding into its emerging leaders through The Western Australian Sport and Recreation Emerging Leaders Program.

Facility management

Looking to develop your career in facility management?

FutureNow – Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council

FutureNow – Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council Inc brings together industry leaders, training organisations and action groups to make recommendations to government regarding workforce development strategies for Western Australia.

Professional Governance Development Opportunities

The Professional Governance Development Opportunities aims to develop the skills and expertise of board members working within the sport industry through improved leadership, improved long-term performance of organisations and improved capacity to lead and manage programs, resources and people.

Professional Development Opportunity

DSR is investing in the future of sport and recreation leaders by providing professional development opportunities.

Presenter/Facilitator Training Program

Good presenters can captivate people; they gain attention with a confident, enthusiastic approach and facilitate learning to develop competence.

Mentor Training Course

Mentoring is an effective way for coaches and officials to learn and develop under the supervision of a senior coach or official. Mentors can assist with coaching or officiating skills improvement and be a sounding board for problems.