STA’s The Ripple Effect initiative has reached an important milestone after learners completed the charity’s first fully funded swimming teacher training programme, resulting in seven newly qualified swimming teachers. Among them was former GB Artistic Swimming squad member Alyssa Anderson, who secured employment less than a week after qualifying.

Delivered at Jaguar Cars Sports & Social Club in Coventry at the end of May, the programme enabled learners to achieve the STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming and was made possible through local funding support. The course forms part of The Ripple Effect, STA’s charitable initiative designed to remove barriers to training and create new pathways into careers in aquatics.

Learners from a range of backgrounds took part in the programme, with seven successfully achieving the qualification. Together, they represent the first cohort of newly qualified teachers to benefit from The Ripple Effect, all sharing a passion for aquatics and a desire to inspire others to enjoy the water safely and confidently.

Among them was 18-year-old Alyssa Anderson, a former member of the GB Artistic Swimming squad and current member of City of Birmingham Artistic Swimming Club.

Having spent more than a decade involved in artistic swimming, Alyssa enrolled on the course to build on her existing experience in aquatics and inspire others to develop confidence and skills in the water.

Alyssa said: “I’ve been involved in artistic swimming for 10 years and becoming a swimming teacher felt like a natural next step because I’ve been involved in aquatics for so long and wanted to help others enjoy the water too.”

Less than a week after successfully qualifying, Alyssa secured a swimming teaching role at Northfield Leisure Centre in Birmingham.

Speaking during the course, she added: ” “I’m really enjoying learning how to teach. The course is giving me the practical skills and confidence to work with children and adults, which is something I’ve always been interested in. Teaching the groups has been really nice and rewarding. I enjoy seeing people develop their confidence in the water and helping them learn new skills.”

The course was delivered by STA Tutor Alice Kidd, who praised the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the learners throughout the programme.

Alice said: “It was fantastic to see such a diverse group of learners come together with a shared passion for aquatics. Many arrived with very different experiences and backgrounds, but all demonstrated a genuine desire to help others develop confidence and skills in the water.

“What stood out throughout the course was the enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn. Watching learners grow in confidence, develop their teaching skills and take their first steps towards employment in the sector was incredibly rewarding.”

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “The Ripple Effect was created to remove barriers that prevent talented individuals from entering the aquatics workforce. We know there are people with the passion, aptitude and commitment to become excellent swimming teachers, but who may not otherwise have access to training opportunities.

“The success of this first course demonstrates exactly why The Ripple Effect was established. Seven new swimming teachers have now gained their qualification, and Alyssa’s journey from learner to employed swimming teacher in less than a week shows the difference these opportunities can make.

“This is about much more than qualifications. It’s about creating opportunities, supporting communities and helping to build a stronger, more diverse and sustainable aquatics workforce for the future.”

Following the success of the Coventry course, further The Ripple Effect workforce development projects are already being organised with Approved Training Centres, tutors, employers and community organisations across the UK, helping to create new opportunities for people to begin rewarding careers in aquatics.