A new program targeting the emerging multibillion-dollar industry of sports tech will soon give young people a valuable head start on jobs of the future.
The Australian sports tech industry is thriving, employing more than 13,000 people. And it’s set to soar as southeast Queensland prepares to co-host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To help create jobs of the future, Sunshine Coast Council has joined forces with learning experts at Sports Tech College.
This unique collaboration will make a sports technology, digital and sports innovation curriculum available to the region’s secondary schools.
Funded by Sunshine Coast Council, schools can access this program over the next three years. It will provide a stepping-stone for young people considering further study and careers in fascinating areas such as sports performance analytics, wearable technology and digital health.
The program forms part of Council’s legacy ambitions towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes creating sports tech expertise and future sports entrepreneurs within Australia.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative would inspire students and create jobs before and after the 2032 Games.
“Technology, data, IoT and AI are some of the fastest growing tech industry sectors within sports, health, gaming and entertainment,” Mayor Natoli said.
“We are committed to building future-ready, world-class students who understand the real world today and the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Kids playing virtual sports as part of the new jobs for the future program from Sunshine Coast Council.
A growing industry with promising futures
According to the Australian Sports Technologies Network Sports Innovation Report, the Australian sports tech industry is thriving. It is valued at approximately $4.25 billion annually, employs more than 13,000 people, and is a key area for jobs of the future.
The sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by technological advancements and an increasing demand for data-driven insights into sports performance, wearable technology and digital platforms.
Sports Tech College Founder Matt Dobell said the Sunshine Coast offered two outstanding opportunities to leverage towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. First, the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network provides the fastest connection from the east coast of Australia to Asia. Second, access to a high-speed/low-latency WiFi 6 Network for testing new technology in a real-world environment.
“These both offer significant opportunities for sports technology sector entrepreneurs and educators like us,” Mr Dobell said.
“Teaching today’s school students practical, job-ready knowledge and digital practice is critical to their development and understanding of future technologies and possibilities.
“Working with Sunshine Coast Council, we have been able to customise content so that all school students can explore, celebrate and build sustainable solutions through the lens of sports technology, giving them a natural competitive edge when preparing for their future careers.”
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