THOUSANDS of Victorian children will be safer around the water this summer thanks to a state government program creating hundreds of new swim teacher roles.
Minister for Employment, Ben Carroll, visited the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) to see how SWIM, a $3.4 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, is delivering 280 inclusive employment opportunities at pools and leisure centres around the state.
“We’re supporting people to gain new qualifications so they can find secure work and help the sector address a shortage of skilled swim teachers,” he said.
“With Victorians heading to our beaches, rivers, lakes and pools this summer, these jobs ensure everyone can safely enjoy the water.”
As well as boosting the number of children learning to swim, the program is giving Victorians looking for work the opportunity to begin a new and fulfilling career.
For 29-year-old Chloe Turner, the program has been lifechanging.
Born with dyspraxia, she had to undergo speech therapy as a child to be able to talk.
Through the program, she has received free training and support to become a swim teacher and now works part-time at the Blue Fin Swim School and nearby MSAC in Port Melbourne.
This program complements a separate $5.7 million partnership between the government and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria, creating 300 roles for swim teachers, lifeguards and other pool staff.
Together, these programs provide 580 Victorians with secure work for 12 months, prioritising people aged 18 to 25, people with a disability, women aged 45 and over, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Participants are paid while they complete pre-employment training, including the nationally accredited Swim Australia Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course, and training in First Aid and CPR.
For more information visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
