STA is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new People Developer Course – an insightful, self-paced online programme that has been created to help tutors, teachers, and managers strengthen how they facilitate the professional development of other people in the classroom, on poolside, or in the workplace.

STA recognises that the way people work, learn, and like to be supported in the workplace has changed considerably in recent years, and has developed this course in response – to offer practical development for those seeking the knowledge to advance their own skill set in how to inspire, motivate, and work more effectively with people.

A key focus of the course is understanding the influence of generational change in the workplace. With younger generations – particularly Gen Z – placing greater importance on clear, open communication, collaboration, and personalised support, today’s trainers and managers need to be more adaptable and more people-focused than ever. The course explores how to adjust communication, feedback, and management styles to build stronger, more effective relationships across all age groups.

The People Developer Course, which is being launched at ELEVATE and development supported by Swim!, has been designed to help people build confidence and further develop their capability to support and guide others. It’s ideal for those looking to enhance the way they mentor, lead, and support others – whether in structured learning environments or everyday professional settings.

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Kayle Brightwell, STA’s Director of Education, who developed the course in consultation with employers, said:

“We all work with people who think, feel, and respond differently – and that’s what makes this course so important. It will help learners build the awareness and understanding to recognise what influences workplace behaviour, especially in older teens and young adults – from learning styles and generational experiences to emotional cues and communication preferences.”

“Humans are complicated, and that’s a good thing – we are all different, and we all naturally grow, adapt, and change, so it’s inevitable we can’t know everything all the time,” added Kayle. “But the more we can understand about the people we work and interact with, the more we can modify our approach and support them effectively – and empathetically. Simply, that’s what being a people developer is really all about – knowing how to connect with others so they stay motivated, engaged, and are able to grow.”

During the course, learners will explore topics such as coaching and mentoring theory, communication styles, emotional intelligence, and how to interpret both verbal and non-verbal cues. The course also examines different personality types, learning preferences, and generational perspectives to help learners tailor their support and create more effective, individualised approaches.

To support the theory, learners are given practical tools and guidance on how to carry out observations, give effective feedback, develop action plans, and conduct one-to-one meetings. These skills are designed to help them actively improve the performance and development of the people they work with – whether in the workplace or on a training course.

Importantly, the content is structured into manageable sections to avoid overload and allow space for reflection. With plenty of material to explore, the course encourages learners to implement ideas as they progress through each section – turning theory into meaningful practice at each step. Case studies are also included to show how theory comes to life in real settings, helping bridge the gap between knowledge and confident, practical application.

At its core, the People Developer Course supports learners in building the insight, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in modern workplace and learning environments. It ensures that those training new employees or managing others have the skills and understanding needed to support, develop, and help people grow.

“Although developed with the leisure and aquatics sector in mind, the People Developer Course is relevant to any professional working with others,” confirmed Kayle.

“Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring new staff, or supporting learners in any setting, this course offers flexible, practical development that reflects the reality of today’s working environment. Today’s workforce values learning that is flexible, relevant, and focused on personal growth – and this course has been designed with that in mind.”

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