The Institute of Swimming has launched a fresh approach to training in a bid to solve a nationwide demand for teachers – as almost 400,000 people could be missing out on swimming lessons.
A new Teachers’ Training Academy is being launched with leisure operators Everyone Active, in London, and Manchester-based Trafford Leisure which gives trainee teachers the chance to embark on a career as a swimming teacher for the affordable price of £50.
The Institute of Swimming Teachers’ Training Academy will give those thinking of starting a career as a swimming teacher – or looking for a change of profession – that chance to receive top-quality training whilst being matched with a potential employer.
It will manage the search and recruitment of trainee teachers while supporting them through their training journey on behalf of employers – so leisure operators searching for new recruits know they will receive a teacher who is trained to the highest level.
Rebecca Cox, Institute of Swimming’s managing director, said:
“Teaching swimming is very rewarding but the cost of qualifying can hold people back.
“There is a demand for new swimming teachers across the country, which means people are missing out on swimming lessons. We believe by removing cost as a barrier for the individual, we can attract new people into the sector who may not have considered teaching as a career opportunity.”
Successful applicants who join the Teachers’ Academy will complete Swim England Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) course and Level 2 Teaching Swimming Qualification.
In between the courses, they will work with potential future employers to gain practical experience, benefit from CPDs to help them develop as well as getting expert advice and support from a mentor to ensure they have the necessary experience for the role and are ready to hit the poolside running.
Rebecca added:
“We are trying to make it easier for the leisure operators to find highly-skilled swimming teachers.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone and we’re excited about the potential the Academy has to create a new wave of swimming teachers across the country.”
In addition to the training, applicants will also receive a years’ membership to the Institute of Swimming and access to the online Introduction to Swimming Strokes CPD.
Applications for the pilot are now closed. Thank you to everyone who has applied.
Are you a swimming lesson provider looking for swimming teachers, and interested in working in partnership with the Institute of Swimming? If so, please email us at [email protected]. We already have roles for the trainees going through the pilot scheme but will be looking for more employers to be part of our academy after the pilots.