The Athlete Career and Education (ACE) Program is an essential ingredient in the VIS policies and programs, which aims to introduce balance and ‘Success in Sport and Life’. The objective of the ACE Program is to contribute to the personal and professional development and performance of eligible elite athletes with career, educational and professional development services. The ACE Program encourages and supports athletes in their quest for success both on and off the sporting arena.

Bernadette Sierakowski coordinates the ACE Program and works as an advisor along with Claire Gelston and Daniel Kowalski. 

The ACE Program provides:

• Personal development training courses and workshops to help athletes develop skills in public speaking and media presentation, job interviews, résumé development, career planning and time management
• Educational guidance and information on school and university education, TAFE courses, vocational training programs, course selection and alternative study pathways incorporating Distance Education and flexible delivery
• Access to career referral networks in the business community to identify potential career interests, sources of employment, work experience and sponsored courses
• Ongoing transitional support to guide athletes through all transition phases including deselection, retirement, injury, rehabilitation and relocation

Athletes meet the ACE staff:

• In individual sessions
• As part of the Workshop Program
• In sessions organised through the respective sporting programs
• Or with ‘ACE on the Run’ – on location at training sessions, camps and competitions

The ACE program helps athletes to integrate their career dreams alongside their sporting ambitions, and prepares them for a successful life after sport.