Swimming towards success: Amber's path from Chisholm trainee to aquatics professional

As a trainee in her first year of a Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (SIS30122) Traineeship, Chisholm student Amber Woolley is on her way to a successful career in aquatics.

Amber has always loved being active, excelling at netball and swimming. When a friend who was a swim teacher told her she'd be great working with kids, she was encouraged to look at a career in swim teaching and found a casual job at Splash’s Berwick.

To get started as a swim teacher, Amber took a Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Skill Set (SISSS00132) course held over one weekend. The training program enabled her to get in the pool and start instructing.

Amber loves teaching others to swim. "It's a lot of fun and very rewarding," she says. A typical day as a swim teacher involves Amber instructing small groups of students, usually young children, for 30-minute lessons. She teaches basic swimming skills and water safety, and occasionally takes classes for parents and babies.

Amber’s love for the role inspired her to pursue further education and start a traineeship at her workplace. She is now in her first year of a Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (SIS30122) Traineeship with Chisholm.

"The traineeship has been a great way to have secure employment. I earn an income and gain a qualification at the same time," Amber says. "Having my TAFE qualification will help me progress in my career, and of course, higher pay is always good!"

In the past, Amber occasionally struggled with her learning due to dyslexia. But she found the support she needed from her course teachers. "They were so patient and helped me understand everything," she shares.

"I love the job satisfaction I get working as a swim teacher, and I have a great team to work with,” Amber says. "The toughest part of my job is realising that things don't always go as planned, but I've learned to find new ways around it."

Steve a manager of Splash’s, has welcomed Amber as a trainee. "Amber is an important part of our team, and the traineeship structure is working really well," he says.

Steve tells us that the aquatics and fitness industry is in need of quality swimming teachers. He says the traineeship provides students with great training and qualifications and supports businesses like Splash’s Berwick with skilled staff for the future.

Amber has big plans for her career: "In the next 5-10 years, I hope to be managing one of the Splash's Centres. That's my big goal!"

Learn more about our sport, fitness and aquatics traineeships and courses at Chisholm.edu.au/sports.