Transforming the Aquatic Industry

SWIM Jobs Victoria has had an undeniable impact on reinvigorating the aquatic industry. It has launched careers, improved business performance and is ultimately helping to save lives.

LaunchCareers

people with new swim teacher qualifications

in-water training hours delivered

people engaged in secondary training courses

BuildBusiness

people placed in permanent employment for a minimum of 19 hours per week

SWIM SCHOOLS supported to recruit new diverse employees

SaveLives

extra 30-minute swimming lessons supported as at 22 September 23

Delivered as an earn and learn initiative, SWIM Jobs Victoria has been a game changer for the state. Evaluation by Victoria University highlighted social, economic, mental, physical health, and community benefits achieved by participating employers and employees.

To identify program benefits perceived by employers and employees, data was collected at two phases to gain bench-line and follow-up data. Findings between these two time-points were cross-referenced to identify potential changes in attitudes. Data was collected from two target groups:

Social impact

Employers reported an increased sense of belonging among their employees
Employers felt an increased understanding on recruitment strategies required for swim teachers from diverse backgrounds including the need for community engagement and connection.
Regarding social and economic benefits, similar to Phase 1, approximately half of the employers (52%) believe social and economic benefits exist for offering part-time employment relative to their casual workforce.
Employees felt that their work is enjoyable and feel they belong.
The role has improved wellbeing through enabling employees to provide a service to their community, meeting new people in the community and developing communication and social skills.
Networking is important!

Building business

Approximately two-thirds of employees (62%) believe that long-term careers are likely, which nearly double from Phase 1 (34%).
Varied employment contracts should be available, in particular permanent part-time and casual contracts.
Consistent across the two Phases, over half of employers believe the Swim Jobs Victoria program has had a positive impact on organisational performance, helped the organisation recover from COVID-19, and helped to recruit staff.
Flexible hours are important!
Employers acknowledged that strategies such as community engagement and connection, financial support, and outreach and diversity initiatives have helped to recruit employees from diverse backgrounds.
The positive impact the program has had on organisational performance, organisational recovery from COVID-19, and staff recruitment.

Mental impact

The SWIM Jobs Victoria program has helped swim schools improve employee job security and stability, professional development and upskilling, and reduced staff stress and workload.
Swim schools are embracing diversity initiatives.
Employees stated that support exists from their manager.
Employees felt that their employer is inclusive of staff regardless of age, gender, or background.
Personal growth has been gained, employees feel good about themselves, and are confident in their ability to achieve goals.
The role helps to maintain or improve employee’s physical health.

*Victoria University Research 2022

Type of organisations engaged with program

Economic indicators of program success

Chloe, who was born with dyspraxia, has been employed at Blue Fin Swim School in Port Melbourne. “I love swimming and showing them how to swim and be confident in the water. And it always makes me happy when they smile”.

Michael is a former seafarer for over 20 years and now a swim teacher and aspiring coach at Surrey Park Swimming. “I hope that I have a personality that encourages and supports people from all walks of life”.

After a 45-year career as a nurse, Josephine is now a swim instructor at Kick N Paddle in Reservoir. “I decided it was time for me to change my career. I’ve always loved the water and I thought it will be good for me physically as much as it would be mentally challenging for me”.

Sean is employed as a swim teacher at Swim 4 All in Werribee. “As much as they learn, I learned with them. It makes the job worthwhile. It makes you feel special”

START A PROGRAM IN YOUR STATE

Effective Program Delivery

SWIM Jobs Victoria has created a strong delivery platform to support both job seekers and employers across a broad spectrum of community.

Spreading the word (Jan-May 2023)

Direct marketing, social media, digital advertising, events and public relations has ensured a strong community awareness of the program offering and its benefits.