The Essendon Football Club, in partnership with RMIT, is proud to announce its inaugural Essendon Education Academy full-time graduate intake from the 2022 cohort. 

Students Blake Gaffiero and Uriah Matenga have become the first two full-time appointments from the EEA's’s graduating class. 

The EEA gives students the chance to simultaneously align 100-hours of vocational work placement alongside a Dual Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management.  

The aim of the program is to provide opportunities to students wishing to fulfil a career in sport. A key part of the EEA program is the opportunity for two graduates to earn full-time positions working at the club post their studies. 

EEA Program Manager James Polkinghorne congratulated Gaffiero and Matenga on their achievement, while commending the inaugural class of 31 students. 

“It is a tremendous reward for effort, for Blake and Uriah to get this opportunity, particularly on the back of their consistent professional approach and value add, as well as their curiosity to learn and develop,” Polkinghorne said. 

Essendon Football Club thanks RMIT for their continued partnership, and efforts towards driving a new and premium student learning experience within the EEA.  

After gaining exposure to majority of the departments, Gaffiero signalled his interest in the digital team, where he spent the year assisting with content creation.  

"Being able to work individually with key team managers, the length of the placements, and being around the club enough to form relationships with the staff, has been a huge benefit of the EEA program experience," Gaffiero said. 

Matenga spent time across the People and Culture and Community departments where he supported projects across our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, as well as time in Consumer teams. 

"Some highlights from this year would be the variety of opportunities I gained from different departments within EFC. I built great relationships from staff members within those departments whilst picking their brains and gaining valuable knowledge,” Matenga said. 

"I believe the EEA qualification and experience is equipping me with the skills necessary to get employment post-graduation because I have had my foot in the door and gained valuable insight on what it takes to work, communicate and display yourself at a professional level.” 

The Essendon Football Club is looking forward to continuing their partnership with RMIT, creating unique opportunities for passionate students long into the future.