From school leavers to those making a career switch, the PGA Institute provides a direct entry point to the Australian golf industry.
Anyone in the realms of Year 12 students knows that this time of year is dominated by a simple question: what’s next?
The question may be simple, but the answer can elude many. While a good portion aspire to continue their studies at university, others may lack a clear career pathway.
For those with a passion for golf, the PGA Institute caters to both on-campus students in Melbourne and those who choose to study online. At the PGA Institute, a dedicated team helps students navigate that transition, build industry connections and make the most of their time studying. At the heart of that support is student services and administration co-ordinator Briony Coccaro, who works closely with students from enrolment through to graduation.
The PGA Institute is Australia’s only Registered Training Organisation dedicated exclusively to golf industry education, offering nationally recognised qualifications including the Diploma of Golf Business & Management and Diploma of Sport.
With students arriving from a wide range of backgrounds and at different stages of life, Coccaro’s role is equally diverse.
“We’ve got 18-year-olds coming straight out of school, and for some of them it can be quite daunting being away from home and on their own for the first time,” she says. “We’ve got students in their 20s who might be a little bit lost and unsure about what they want to do, and then people in their 40s and 50s who have left their day-to-day jobs to make a complete career change.
“They all learn from each other. The older students can be great mentors for the younger ones, while the younger students bring plenty to the older students as well. It creates a really good mix.”
For students relocating to Melbourne, support can begin before they even arrive. The PGA Institute assists interstate and international students with accommodation options, including on-site residence at the PGA Institute Campus at Sandhurst Golf Club, as well as private, shared and homestay accommodation across Melbourne.
Before classes begin, students take part in an induction, where they are introduced to the campus, their course and the support available to them. They also receive a welcome pack to help them settle into life at the PGA Institute.
Students undertaking the Golf Development Program receive a golf bag and can work on their game with PGA coaches alongside their studies. They also receive membership to Sandhurst Golf Club, providing access to the club’s 36 holes, practice facilities and TrackMan Performance Zone throughout their studies.
About three weeks into their course, Coccaro meets with students individually for a wellbeing check.
“[It’s] to make sure their transport and accommodation are sorted, that they’ve made connections and feel comfortable, and to see if there are any other issues they want to talk about,” she says. “I’ll continue checking in with them throughout their time here, just to keep that conversation going and let them know there’s always someone they can come to.”
Alongside education, the PGA Institute places a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry connections. Through the Workplace Immersion Program, available to online and on-campus students, students work shifts at golf clubs, gaining first-hand experience in a professional golf environment.
“A lot of our students have been offered work after completing their course, which is fantastic to see,” Coccaro said.
Students can also volunteer at professional PGA events, including the men’s and women’s Australian Opens and Australian PGA and WPGA Championships, gaining further exposure to the golf industry and opportunities to build their networks.
Pathways are also available for students looking to continue their education and career progression through institutions including Deakin University, Torrens University, Griffith University and Holmesglen TAFE, as well as the PGA of Australia’s Membership Pathway Program.
For students considering a career in golf, the PGA Institute offers more than a qualification, combining education, practical experience, industry connections and ongoing support to help them take the next step in their careers.
Find out more and enrol today at golf.com.au/pga-institute
