ASSA introduces a fresh approach to swim teacher training

Aiming to get more teachers in the water in time for summer, the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has introduced a new, streamlined approach to swim teacher accreditation.

The Australian-first teaching pathway allows ASSA Member Swim Schools to conduct their own Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Course integrated into their training processes.

ASSA, through its partnership with the Institute of Research and Learning (IRL- RTO.6235), will deliver nationally recognised and accredited units of competencies which constitute the ‘Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety’ qualification (SISSS00112).

Under ASSA’s Academy pathway, the qualification will be branded as the ‘Australian Swim Schools Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety’.

The progressive ‘on the job’ training principles have been introduced to help streamline the accreditation process for both employers and prospective teachers, by allowing organisations to internally attract, train and retain their teaching staff.

Typically, candidates applying for a teaching position are required to obtain the Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Qualification from an external provider before returning to their swim school of employment.

ASSA’s pathway helps reduce the barrier for teachers getting into the industry, allowing candidates to learn directly from their place of employment from day one, all whilst ticking off the key units of competencies required to become a qualified swim teacher.

The new approach to the teacher accreditation process was developed in response to a request from the industry to enhance acquisition and retention of swim teachers.

Following extensive industry consultation with member swim schools, ASSA officially launched its teaching pathway during its National Conference earlier this year.

Family-owned swim school Rackley Swimming was one of the preliminary schools selected to pilot the program, praising the initiative for its progressive approach to supporting more swim teachers to enter the industry.

Rackley Swimming Chief People Officer, Nicky Sloan advised “this is a game changer for us.

“We now have the ability to upskill teachers in-house with the necessary qualification to become a  swimming teacher - with a Rackley flavour to the training. Having the ability to entwine our programs' philosophies and curriculum to the core competencies is really amazing.

“It gives businesses flexibility to run courses at their own pools, whenever the demand for courses are warranted, at a cost effective price for the teachers - reducing the financial barrier of entry into the industry.”

Explaining that the barrier to entry for new teachers was a driving force behind the development of ASSA’s in-house teaching pathway, ASSA General Manager, Emily McNeill declared “we are essentially making it easier than ever before for ASSA member Swim Schools to attract, train and retain their own staff internally.

“The ASSA Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Qualification has the added bonus of being able to work closely with the candidate to ensure they’re supported and prepared throughout their teaching journey.

“We are delighted to be creating more opportunities for people to recieve their swim teacher qualifications  ahead of summer and we see this as a major win for the industry” said Ms McNeill.

ASSA hopes that this new approach to swimming education will help alleviate the shortage of qualified swim instructors across the country.

There is an estimated shortage of almost 2000 swimming instructors across the country, with NSW and Victoria the hardest hit post COVID.

Businesses and teachers looking to take advantage of ASSA Academy Qualification can find out more at www.australianswimschools.org.au/assa-academy

Image courtesy of Rackley Swimming.