ACU Students Put Exercise Science Into Practice Through ADF/Adecco Placement 

For Australian Catholic University (ACU) Exercise and Sport Science students, the transition from university into the workforce can begin before they graduate. Through an eight-week Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Adecco program, students can apply their studies in a professional environment while supporting the delivery of pre-entry fitness assessments (PFA) and strength and conditioning (S&C) programs. 

The placement sits within the broader Adecco Candidate Testing and Training Program for the ADF, which is delivered by UniSport Australia through its national university network. Since launching in early 2024, the program has expanded nationwide and now operates across 35 sites, including ACU’s Blacktown campus. 

Throughout the ACU placement, students are supported by experienced supervisors as they develop their skills and gain insight into occupational fitness requirements, operational constraints, and the importance of defensible and standardised testing. 

It has a recruitment process designed to reflect the expectations of applying for a role in the industry. As part of the process, applicants submit a CV and cover letter and participate in a mock job interview. 

“The ACU placement within the ADF/Adecco program is a structured Work Integrated Learning opportunity where students are embedded within a high-performance, real-world environment,” said ACU Exercise Science Lecturer Michael Rigney, who oversees the WIL experience.  

“What makes this placement unique is the authenticity of the environment. Students are not working with simulated cases or controlled classroom scenarios; they are engaging with real candidates and performance standards.” 

Students are introduced to the program through an initial period of observation and handover, where they become familiar with the way sessions are delivered, the relevant standards and protocols, and the expectations of working with participants. As their understanding deepens and they demonstrate their capability, they progressively take on more responsibility across PFA and S&C delivery. 

“This progression is critical as it allows them to build competence and confidence in a staged and supported manner,” Michael added, as by the time they are leading sessions, students are not only more technically capable but also confident in their communication, organisation, and ability to manage diverse participants. 

For current ACU student Alicia Borg (Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science), the opportunity to apply the knowledge and theoretical foundations she has developed through her degree into a professional environment was a key reason for undertaking the placement. She was particularly interested in working with the ADF’s highly standardised fitness testing protocols, as it gave her the chance to step outside her comfort zone and gain experience in a different area of fitness assessment. 

“Progressing from observing assessments and strength and conditioning sessions to leading participants and developing individualised exercise programs has increased both my confidence and independence,” Alicia said. 

“It has strengthened my communication, leadership, and decision-making skills while reinforcing the importance of adapting programs to meet individual needs and goals.” 

For Alicia, a highlight of the placement has been building relationships with participants and supporting their progress towards the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).  

“Watching them successfully pass the PFA was incredibly rewarding, as it reinforced the impact I have made in supporting their physical preparation and helping build their confidence to achieve their goal of joining the ADF,” Alicia said. 

For ACU graduate Alvin Khoshaba (Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science), the experience has continued beyond his time as a student. After completing his placement, Alvin transitioned into a coaching role, building on the skills and experience he developed. 

“What stood out most about this experience was working with a large number of individuals who had little to no previous exercise experience. This required adapting training sessions to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels and modifying exercises to meet each individual’s needs while ensuring they could participate safely and effectively,” he said. 

One experience in particular gave Alvin the opportunity to apply his exercise science knowledge in a practical coaching situation. While working with a candidate on their running technique, he identified simple drills and coaching cues that could improve their running mechanics. 

Beyond individual coaching, Alvin also progressed to leading S&C classes and providing guidance during PFA sessions. 

“My coaching skills and confidence improved significantly throughout the placement. Having the responsibility to independently lead S&C classes allowed me to develop my coaching style while learning to manage the challenges presented by different candidates,” Alvin said.  

“This placement has played a significant role in helping me transition from being a student to becoming a coach. It provided valuable hands-on experience, while the guidance and mentorship from my supervisors gave me the confidence and practical knowledge to apply my skills effectively in a professional environment.” 

UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry said the ACU placement within the Adecco/ADF program demonstrates the broader value of university-industry collaboration. 

“Bringing university capability into a national program creates professional pathways for students and connects universities with industry,” Mr Sinderberry said. 

“It also gives the sector an opportunity to contribute its knowledge, skills and expertise beyond the university campus.” 

The impact of that connection can be seen in how students develop throughout the placement, according to Michael. 

“Many begin the placement unsure of their abilities but leave with a strong sense of identity as emerging practitioners,” he said.  

The ACU placement demonstrates the value that can come from giving students a place within industry before they graduate. Through a structured and supported experience, students have the opportunity to contribute and learn alongside experienced practitioners, gaining a clearer understanding of the work and opportunities that await beyond university.