The Essendon Education Academy (EEA) is calling for final applications to join its fifth cohort this year, offering prospective students a rare opportunity to combine nationally recognised qualifications with real-world experience inside an AFL club.
Delivered in partnership with RMIT University, the EEA offers a Dual Diploma of Business (BSB50120) and Leadership & Management (BSB50420), uniquely embedded within the Essendon Football Club environment.
Designed for school leavers, career-changers, and individuals seeking to pivot or realign their professional direction, the program brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds, from those entering the workforce for the first time, to mature-aged participants with decades of experience in other industries, and graduates looking to redirect their careers.
Through a practical, career-focused model, the EEA equips students with the skills, confidence and industry exposure needed to thrive in sport, business, and beyond. More than a qualification, it’s a launchpad for careers.
What sets the EEA apart is its deep integration with the Club. Students learn in an elite sporting environment while completing meaningful placements across departments including Community, Events, Membership, Digital, Football Operations (AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW), Wheelchair Football, and Data Analytics.
Through this hands-on model, students graduate with far more than a qualification. They leave with professional networks, practical experience, and a clear understanding of workplace expectations.
Essendon Executive General Manager of People & Culture Caroline Monzon echoed the value of the program from both a Club and student perspective.
“From a Club perspective, the EEA allows us to develop emerging talent who already understand our values, culture and standards. From a student perspective, it provides an authentic, industry-connected education that accelerates confidence, capability and employability,” Monzon said.
The impact of the EEA is perhaps best seen through its graduates. In recent years, multiple alumni have transitioned directly into employment at Essendon across multiple areas of the Club.
For many, the Academy provided exposure, clarity, and confidence in their next steps.
“Having the privilege to work alongside multiple EFC departments throughout the year was an eye-opening experience," said Anton Amalfi, a 2025 EEA Graduate now employed at the Club.
"It was amazing to see how much work truly goes into all programs and matchdays. Combining work experience with the study element, you quickly find yourself applying the theory and translating it into real-world skills.”
2024 EEA Graduate Alice Shellie reflected on the value of networking opportunities and the learning environment itself.
“Studying while being inside the Club every week made everything feel purposeful. I started as a Member Services Officer, worked my way through to Receptionist, and have recently been appointed as the Operations Coordinator for the EFC Men’s Team," Shellie said.
"This is something I didn't think I would get to, but when you work hard and make those connections, you can end up in some really cool places.”
With a foot in the door as an EEA graduate, Shellie felt confident to apply for internal opportunities as they arose.
“Meeting the staff and being trusted with responsibility during placements made a huge difference to my confidence," Shellie said.
EEA Program Manager Dr Kirstin Hannah said the Academy’s partnership with RMIT University is central to its success.
“Partnering with RMIT brings academic rigour, credibility and a strong student support framework to the program,” Dr Hannah said.
“The greatest privilege is creating genuine growth opportunities for young people or career-changers, helping them build confidence, find direction, and take meaningful steps toward their future.”
With orientation commencing in just two weeks, places in the 2026 intake are now extremely limited. Students considering a career in sport, business and leadership, or those seeking a practical, supportive alternative to a traditional university pathway are encouraged to apply immediately.
The Essendon Education Academy continues to prove that when education and industry come together, the results can be transformative.
