Students in St George swim into a career thanks to school-based traineeships through TAFE NSW

The partnership has seen TAFE NSW and LEA join forces to deliver a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation to school-based trainees who attend Bexley Swimming Pool, Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre.

LEA NSW traineeship manager Jemma Malik said the aquatics and community recreation program gave trainees invaluable experience to kick-start their careers.

"A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship combines paid work, training and school, and as well as an industry-recognised national qualification, students gain credit towards the HSC," Ms Malik said.

"It's fantastic to be working with TAFE NSW to provide these students with a pathway into a career they are passionate about."

Vocational training is at the forefront of the COVID-19 economic recovery, with 100,000 new apprentices and trainees across Australia to be supported by the federal government's $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.

Trainees taking part in the aquatics and community recreation program have opportunities to work across multiple aquatic centres and be trained in various roles, such as lifeguard, swim teacher, receptionist and cafe assistant.

School-based trainee Elena Costas, of Bexley North, said she enjoyed the hands-on component of onsite learning at the aquatic centres and would take away important foundation skills that she could use throughout her career.

"I grew up playing sports and swimming, so I saw the traineeship as a great opportunity to explore if a career in the industry is something I'd like to pursue after school," she said.

"The program has given me a greater sense of career direction, valuable workplace skills such as CPR and first-aid, and a qualification to add to my resume while completing my HSC."

Details: To learn more about sports and recreation courses at TAFE NSW phone 13 16 01 or click here.