Swim Jobs Victoria program sees launch of $3.4 million career recruitment package

Aiming to reverse the massive shortage of swimming teachers in Victoria, 280 new swimming teachers will be recruited and trained as part of a new ‘earn while you’ learn Swim Jobs Victoria initiative.

A $3.4 million partnership between Swims Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA) and Jobs Victoria, the Swim Jobs Victoria program will enable jobseekers recruited into the program to access an income while completing the accredited training required to work in the industry.

Following a recent SCTA survey that SCTA revealed 28% of Victorians would consider becoming a swim teacher, SCTA Chief Executive Brendon Ward said people were needed in both metro and regional areas.

Ward advised “the last few years have been difficult for the industry to keep staff employed, and the result is most swim schools are unable to meet the demand for learn to swim lessons.

“We hope people wanting to make a difference and have an impact in their community will consider the opportunity.”

“One of the major benefits of this partnership is it provides an extra incentive for those interested in a career in the aquatic industry and they are guaranteed 19 hours of work minimum, as all roles offered will be for a part-time or full-time role.

“Employers also receive subsidies and incentives to support them to take on new teachers, easing the pressure on businesses trying to bounce back. It is a win-win for all parties involved.”

Explaining that the program is vital to the revitalisation of the aquatic industry, Paul Sadler Swimland Chief Executive, Mark Cecil noted “we really haven’t been able to recruit and train swim teachers over the last couple of years and there’s a lot of kids who need to learn how to swim.

“Swim teaching is the most rewarding job you can do. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces every week when they come in for their swimming lesson and knowing you’re making a real difference to their lives. It’s an incredibly rewarding job that can lead to an amazing career.”

Jacqueline Wong was a corporate banker before becoming a swim teacher and then establishing The Swim Project, a social enterprise which empowers and equips culturally diverse adults to swim.

Wong noted “one day I went stand up paddle boarding with friends and one person who joined us didn’t get in the water because she couldn’t swim. I offered to help her learn to swim and that’s when I decided to get my qualifications. I discovered a real passion to share my love of water and make sure others could experience the joy as well.”

Stating that the most rewarding part of being a swim teacher was seeing adults who can’t swim get into the water, embrace discomfort and choose courage, Wong added “swimming is for everyone and it’s such a joy to witness that personal transformation but also see my students become more confident in the water and develop their swim skills for life.”

New recruits to the program will receive tailored support including job-readiness training, dedicated individual mentoring and work equipment funding, while completing the nationally accredited Swim Australia Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course, first-aid, and CPR training.

The initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for those most impacted by the pandemic.

Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA) is the new brand for the Australia Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA), introduced last month.

For more information on the Swim Jobs Victoria program go to www.swimjobs.org

Image credit SCTA.