The VIS is based in its own world class facility at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park and provides a state-of-the-art environment for Victoria’s best athletes, including two large gyms, a pool and recovery facilities, sport science laboratories, treatment rooms and offices.
Applications for the 2025 Physical Preparation Traineeships are now open, offering a wealth of career enriching resources and expertise to accelerate a career in strength and conditioning.
Will Tobin joined the VIS as a physical preparation trainee in 2024 after having finished his university studies in Sport and Exercise Science at Deakin University.
“I had come from a football background in country Victoria, so seeing the wide range of sports offered at the VIS which I could put myself into and coach, I thought that would be a really big step forward in my career,” said Tobin.
“I predominantly worked with VIS Physical Preparation Coach, Ben King, and the VIS hockey athletes, but I’ve also had the freedom to see other sports and work alongside the other physical preparation coaches, such as in combat, rowing, swimming and athletics.”
Traineeships are immersive, providing the opportunity to build connections with athletes and gain hands-on experience.
During Tobin’s time working with the VIS hockey program, five athletes were selected onto the national Kookaburras squad and development squads.
“Having a good relationship with the athletes and then seeing their progression onto the Olympic level has been amazing, and to think that I’ve played a small part in their achievement has been really beneficial and rewarding,” he said.
Trainees at the VIS are also introduced to industry networks and can connect with state sporting organisations.
“From my involvement with the VIS Hockey Program, I’ve since gained employment with the Hockey Club Melbourne (HCM) senior men’s team as their strength and conditioning coach,” he said.
“I had a lot of support from Ben, so the VIS really helped me get there, and then the men’s team went on and won the premiership this season which was amazing to be a part of.”
VIS Physical Preparation Coach, Ben King, is headed into his tenth year at the VIS. He started his career as a physical preparation trainee and has since worked across multiple sport programs including golf, netball, shooting and now hockey.
He also coordinates the traineeship program and is passionate about creating an inclusive, rich and hands-on experience for new trainees.
“The VIS Traineeship Program is distinguished by the level of mentorship we provide. VIS trainees are paired with a direct mentor in addition to having access to an extensive physical preparation team. They’re also exposed to the VIS’ inter-disciplinary framework, collaborating with other athlete support roles.”
“A key component of our traineeship outcomes are to have trainees working as career strength and conditioning coaches, who can work in elite sport and have their career take them all over the world.”
“We’re proud that nearly all of our own physical preparation department comes from our traineeship.”
“We hope to provide a really high-level educational and practical experience which sends great practitioners out into the world, let alone just within the VIS,” says King.
Applications are now open for 2025 Physical Preparation traineeships. Learn more and apply now!
Applications close Sunday 16 February 2024.
