The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) was set up to assist the development of Victoria’s best athletes. It was established in 1990 by the State Government as a private trustee company, with its Board of Directors appointed by the Victorian Minister for Sport.
The VIS is located at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. The VIS headquarters completed a renovation in February 2023, providing a brand new workspace for athletes and staff. It is a non-residential institute, which utilises Melbourne’s outstanding sporting facilities, to allow high performance athletes to live and train in Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia.
The VIS operates in partnership with National Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Associations to deliver high performance daily training environments (DTEs) for sports and athletes in support of the National High Performance Sport Strategy outcomes. Our facility and staff help prepare and support future and current Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth Games and World Champion athletes.
Mentorship Benefits:
The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) provides a supportive work environment for you to be your best whilst supporting Victoria's best athletes. In addition, all mentees will have access to:
2XU gear to proudly represent the VIS brand
Opportunity to get involved with Friday Staff Sport to get that competitive energy out whilst socialising and networking with VIS staff members
Newly renovated office with ergonomic sit/stand desks and plenty of natural light & open windows
Free access to gym, staff boxing classes and pool/recovery facilities
Parking at the VIS in Albert Park
Job Description
About the VIS Mentorship Program – Physical Preparation:
The VIS Mentorship Program – Physical Preparation provides an exciting opportunity for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches to gain valuable practical experience in preparing elite athletes alongside Australia’s leading Strength & Conditioning coaches.
The Program is a voluntary mentorship that is designed for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches to learn valuable practical skills in an elite-athlete environment. Contact hours are approximately 10 hours per week that can be organised around other work/study commitments. The Program will commence in October 2026 and conclude in September 2027.
Mentees will have the opportunity to gain exposure to different aspects of the sport programs at the VIS and will gain insights into how athletes prepare.
The mentees will observe and may assist under the guidance and supervision of a VIS employee with initiatives in area of VIS physical preparation including:
Squad based training sessions
Programming and planning of S&C sessions
Testing and data collection of strength and power testing
Monitoring of training loads
Video capture & technique analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) during training and competition
Attending planning and review meetings
Participate in theoretical and practical education through weekly specialist-led workshops. Workshops complement the Program, build technical knowledge, encourage professional discussion, and promote current best practices of strength and conditioning.
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications/experience:
The following qualifications are essential as they will be required to fulfil the duties/ responsibilities of the mentorship:
Current Working with Children Check
Current CPR & First Aid
Application Details: Who is eligible?
Mentorships are available to current undergraduates, graduates or postgraduate students studying Exercise & Sport Science or related courses. Applicants must be based in Victoria and can attend VIS headquarters (Albert Park) and various daily performance environments around Melbourne to be eligible for the Program. Mentorships are NOT offered to high school students.
How to apply?
Include the following in your application:
1. Cover letter addressing the key criteria listed below:
Why do you want to undertake the VIS Mentorship Program – Physical Preparation (career aspirations)?
Practical experience in strength and conditioning, sport coaching or personal training to date and how the VIS Mentorship Program will help you expand on those.
Relevant qualifications.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Most up to date academic transcript
Key Dates
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 4 October 2026
Interviews will commence from Monday 12 October 2026
The Program will commence week starting Monday 26 October 2026
The VIS is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive space for all, celebrating our differences where everyone is valued, included and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, identities, ages, and abilities including those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people with a disability. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities for all, including making reasonable adjustments in recruitment and workplace processes to ensure everyone can perform at their best.
As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Anyone involved with the VIS must understand their responsibility in relation to child safety. Our organisation requires all applicants to obtain a 'Working with Children Check' prior to appointment.
