Leading tech co partners with HFC to upskill players

Digital tech services and consulting firm ARQ Group has signed major partnerships with Box Hill Hawks Football Club and Hawks Netball Club, part of the legendary Hawthorn Football Club.

Under the exciting new deal, ARQ will provide players the opportunity to pursue invaluable work experience and upskill them into high-demand tech roles to set them up for life after their sporting careers, via the company’s tailored ‘The Digital Experience’ (TDx) bootcamp and working alongside ARQ employees.

Additionally, the tech company will serve as an associate partner of the ‘Hawthorn in Business’ corporate networking series, presenting partners for Hawthorn’s inaugural AFL Women’s (AFLW) season launch and Hawthorn’s professional development seminar ‘The Game Plan’.

ARQ CEO Tristan Sternson said the company is committed to growing and developing local talent, both on the field and in the corporate workplace. It is also committed to creating impact and driving change at a grassroots level among women’s sports and provide future skills for jobs outside of sporting careers.

“I’m extremely excited about this partnership as we share the same ambition to develop local talent and impact locally, championing the immense talent in Australia,” Sternson said.

“As ARQ strives to change the narrative around the tech skills shortage, we are proud to be able to offer skills training and career opportunities as part of our partnership, creating impact and inspiring the next generation, in addition to building close connections between the sports and business communities at both the community and elite levels.”

All players across Hawthorn’s AFL, AFLW and Box Hill sides have the opportunity to learn in-demand hard and soft skills needed for the digital workforce through the TDx program, with employment opportunities within ARQ post-program also available.

Through the partnership, ARQ will also receive branding and logo placements on more than 36 Box Hill VFL players’ sporting jerseys, signage at Box Hill Oval, involvement in Hawthorn’s women’s sporting team, corporate partner networking and opportunities with key coaches and players.

Ash Klein, Hawthorn Football Club Chief Commercial Officer, was pleased with this innovative deal.

“We are proud to share this new partnership, as we welcome ARQ into the Hawthorn family. Similarly, to Hawthorn, ARQ prides itself on being a real leader in its own industry.”

Since ARQ launched its TDx program in July last year, it has upskilled and retrained more than 50 locals from government organisations and received strong interest from household names including Qantas and Amazon. It has the goal to reskill more than 200 people this year.

Image caption (L-R): Hugh Beasley (Captain), ARQ CEO Tristan Sternson, ARQ Victoria Partner Justin Parcell, Fergus Greene (Co-vice Captain).