With the class of 2020 weighing up their post-school options, local high school students across the St George area embraced an opportunity to springboard into careers in the aquatic and recreation industry.

TAFE NSW partnered with Leisure Employment Australia (LEA) to deliver a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation at Bexley and Hurstville aquatic centres to school-based trainees.

Jemma Malik, NSW Traineeship Manager at LEA 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 café assistant.

School-based trainee, Elena Costas, said she enjoyed the hands-on component of learning in the aquatic centres and will take away important foundation skills that she can 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,” Elena 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.”

To learn more about sports and recreation courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW R/Media and Communications Business Partner, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au