Calderdale Council is strengthening its commitment to developing the next generation of swimming teachers, by investing in tutor development and progressing plans to become an STA Approved Training Centre (ATC).

The Council’s Swimming Development Manager, Pamela Bentley has successfully completed STA’s Aquatic Tutor Development Programme, helping the Council build the expertise required to deliver STA qualifications and training opportunities in the future and supporting plans to become an STA Approved Training Centre.

The move will support long-term workforce development, create new training opportunities and help meet the growing demand for high-quality swimming lessons across the local community.

Pamela also recently co-tutored STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification and is now looking to further expand her tutor portfolio by progressing onto STA’s Baby & Pre-school and Disability Swimming programmes.

The move forms part of Calderdale’s wider commitment to supporting swimming participation and workforce development across its leisure facilities, helping to create more opportunities for people to train, qualify and develop careers within aquatics.

Pamela Bentley, Swimming Development Manager at Calderdale Council, said: “Applying to become an STA Approved Training Centre is an exciting step for us and reflects the Council’s wider commitment to investing in people and developing the workforce.

“The support I’ve received from STA throughout the tutor development journey has been fantastic. Everyone has been incredibly approachable and supportive, with quality training, resources and ongoing guidance available. Co-tutoring the new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification has been a valuable experience and has given me the confidence to continue developing as a tutor and supporting more people into careers in the sports and leisure industry in the future.

“I’m now looking forward to building on that experience by progressing onto the STA Baby & Pre-school and Disability Swimming tutor pathways, helping us further strengthen and expand our swimming provision across Calderdale.”

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Calderdale as it progresses its application to become an STA Approved Training Centre and to support Pamela on her tutor development journey.

“Developing and retaining skilled aquatic professionals is one of the biggest challenges facing our sector, so it is encouraging to see organisations like Calderdale investing in their workforce and creating opportunities for people to develop and progress within aquatics.

“Pamela has embraced every stage of the tutor development process with enthusiasm and professionalism, and we look forward to supporting her as she continues to expand her qualifications and help develop the next generation of swimming teachers and aquatic professionals.”

The Council continues to invest in creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in swimming and aquatic activity, with pool facilities at Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre, Sowerby Bridge Pool and Fitness Centre, and Todmorden Sports Centre. Construction is also underway on a new leisure centre and swimming pool in Halifax.

Once approved, becoming an STA Approved Training Centre will enable Calderdale to deliver a range of STA qualifications and continuing professional development opportunities, supporting the ongoing development of swimming teachers and aquatic professionals across the local community.