Hundreds of Victorians are taking the plunge into new jobs, with the Andrews Labor Government making sure the community is safe in the water.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced 280 people in need of employment will make a splash, as swim teachers in a $3.4 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and the Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA).
The jobs are not only addressing a shortage of swim teachers but will also give young swimmers the opportunity to catch up on vital water safety education as the weather warms up.
The initiative is assisting those most impacted by loss of employment through the pandemic including women over 45, young people under 25, multicultural communities and people with a disability.
Workers will earn while they learn, receiving nationally accredited swim instructor and water safety training and first-aid and CPR training.
Tailored support will also be made available to the new starters so they can succeed, including job-readiness training, dedicated individual mentoring and funding to purchase things like goggles and swimwear.
The Jobs Victoria Swim Teacher initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for those most impacted by the pandemic.
Jobs Victoria supports employers who need skilled workers and connects them with people looking for work.
People looking for work can register and apply for roles - including as a swim teacher - at the Jobs Victoria online Hub, a free service that matches employers with skilled, local candidates.
Find out how Jobs Victoria can help employers or people looking for work at jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
As stated by Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
"We're all keen to get back in the water as the weather warms up so it's vital we have swim teachers teaching our kids the knowledge and skills they need to be safe in the water."
"Getting those most impacted by the pandemic into employment is critical, as is getting young children back into lessons to prepare for the summer months."
As stated by Minister for Community Sport, Multicultural Affairs and Youth Ros Spence
"It only takes a few weeks of swimming lessons for the impacts to be noticeable. This is a great initiative to ensure kids have water safety skills this summer, and we are supporting young people and people of CALD backgrounds back into work."
As stated by Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association President Joanne Love
"Our industry is in desperate need of swim teachers and this will meet the demand for lessons and provide an essential life skill for children."
