From lifelong fan to full time career in cricket: Logan’s TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport journey

For Logan Gilchrist, the TAFE Queensland and Queensland Cricket Dual Diploma program turned that ambition into a reality.

Now working as a Participation Officer with Queensland Cricket, Logan is one of a growing number of TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport students who have progressed directly from study into employment within an elite sporting organisation.

Before joining the program, Logan was studying a Bachelor of Engineering while coaching junior basketball. Despite academic success, he lacked a sense of purpose and direction.

“When I saw the marketing for the Queensland Cricket dual diploma, it immediately caught my attention,” Logan said.

“As a lifelong Brisbane Heat member and passionate cricketer, it felt like the perfect opportunity. I applied straight away and have not looked back since.”

Delivered in partnership with Queensland Cricket, the Dual Diploma combines the Dual Diploma of Leadership and Management / Diploma of Sport (BSB50420/SIS50321).

Students are based full-time at Allan Border Field, embedded inside Queensland Cricket’s high-performance and administrative headquarters.

“Studying at Allan Border Field was an incredible experience because you are right inside the heart of Queensland Cricket,” Logan said.

“You are in the same building where key decisions are made and where Queensland Bulls, Fire and Brisbane Heat players train. Being surrounded by that environment every day made it feel real and gave me a genuine understanding of what it is like to work in professional sport.”

The program places strong emphasis on industry engagement, with guest speakers, practical projects and work-integrated learning delivered by Queensland Cricket staff.

“One of the best parts of the course was learning from staff who have transitioned from playing into professional roles,” Logan said.

“Whenever we started a new unit, staff from Queensland Cricket would come in to present or allow us to interview them. It made the learning practical and relevant.”

Logan’s work-integrated learning experiences included delivering school cricket programs, club activities and Brisbane Heat holiday programs. These experiences proved critical in preparing him for his current role.

“I was involved in programs like Backyard to Big Bash and school delivery sessions. I learned coaching techniques and program delivery methods from experienced staff. When I applied for my current role, I had already worked in the same environment and understood how the programs operate.”

TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport Manager Don Harley said the program was explicitly designed to create genuine pathways into the sport industry.

“This is exactly why the Academy of Sport exists,” Mr Harley said.

“We build programs in partnership with elite sporting organisations so students are not just studying sport in a classroom. They are embedded inside the industry, developing networks, practical capability and professional confidence. Logan’s journey from student to staff member at Queensland Cricket is a perfect example of the pathway we are creating.”

Queensland Cricket Business Development Manager Tom Gazal said the partnership with TAFE Queensland had strengthened Queensland Cricket’s workforce and future talent pipeline.

“The dual diploma program allows us to identify and develop motivated young people who are passionate about cricket and community participation,” Mr Gazal said.

“Students are immersed in our environment, contribute meaningfully to our programs and gain a strong understanding of how Queensland Cricket operates. Logan’s progression into a full-time role demonstrates the value of this partnership for both students and our organisation.”

Beyond technical and operational skills, Logan said the leadership and management components of the course were particularly valuable.

“In my current role, I speak with schools and stakeholders regularly to promote cricket programs,” he said. “Before the course, I was not always confident approaching people. Now I can communicate clearly, build relationships and explain the benefits of our programs professionally.”

Logan also credited his educators for helping him stay focused on his career goal.

“Candice and Graham were incredibly supportive. Candice was especially passionate about helping us succeed and provided me with clear guidance on securing a position in the industry. I followed her advice and finished the course with a full-time job.”

For students considering a career in sport, Logan’s advice is simple.

“If you are serious about working in sport, studying through a TAFE Queensland program connected to a professional sporting organisation is one of the best ways to get started. Treat the course like a twelve-month job interview, take every opportunity, and you give yourself the best chance of being offered a role at the end of it.”

About the Queensland Cricket Dual Diploma

The Queensland Cricket Dual Diploma, delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, combines the Diploma of Sport with the Diploma of Leadership and Management. Students are based at Allan Border Field, learn from Queensland Cricket staff, complete up to 100 hours of structured work experience and gain direct exposure to professional and community cricket operations.