Become a swimming teacher without splashing out

Residents can become a swimming teacher for a fraction of the usual cost and go on to secure potential employment at Jubilee2 thanks to a new partnership.

The Institute of Swimming is running a Swimming Teacher Recruitment Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in collaboration with the Council, which gives aspiring teachers the opportunity to receive training of the highest level for just £79 – instead of more than £1,000 – followed by the prospect of a job.

The academy is aimed at people who are starting their career, or those looking for a change of profession, and is running as part of efforts to meet a nationwide demand for swimming teachers.

Participants will be taken through the Swim England Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) Course and Level 2 Teaching Swimming Qualification. Between the training, the trainee teachers will volunteer and get support from a mentor to gain practical experience. Successful applicants will also receive a year’s Institute of Swimming membership.

A recent report from Swim England has discovered that around 600,000 people in the UK are currently missing out on swimming lessons as a result of a national shortage of 8,000 teachers.

Residents can apply for a place at the recruitment academy online until Tuesday, 24 May.

Cllr. Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “The Council offers one of the largest swimming lesson programmes in North Staffordshire, with a fantastic range of quality classes for children and adults throughout the year, so we’re regularly on the lookout for excellent teachers. We’ve seen demand for lessons increase as a result of the Covid pandemic, when children couldn’t swim for up to two years, so we’re really keen to meet this additional demand. Swimming is an essential life skill that can save lives.

“Working with the Institute of Swimming in this way is a brilliant idea; it’s a win-win situation for everyone. The trainee teachers will work with the Council to gain valuable experience, ensuring they have the necessary experience for the role. The Institute of Swimming will manage the search and recruitment of the trainees while supporting them through their training, ensuring that future teachers are trained to the highest level.”

The Institute of Swimming is the largest provider of Swim England qualifications and aquatics courses, with more than 35 years’ experience and training more than 60 per cent of all swimming teachers in the UK.

Rebecca Cox, Managing Director at the Institute of Swimming, added: “There is a shortage of new and available swimming teachers trained to deliver the Swim England learn to swim framework across the country, which means people are missing out on swimming lessons. It is critical for us to address this issue. Through our research we found the cost of the courses was one of the barriers in getting people interested and committing to the training.  Teaching swimming is a very rewarding job with flexible hours, but the cost of qualifying can hold people back. We want this opportunity to be available to everyone.”