Institute of Swimming – The Centre of Excellence for Aquatics Instruction

The IoS has been appointed as the Centre of Excellence for Aquatics Instruction by the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure.

This new partnership promises to make a significant impact on the numbers and quality of swimming teachers in the UK through providing increased access to high quality, industry-recognised training. The IoS and Skills Academy will play a vital role in training the staff needed to cope with the demands of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The accreditation also enables the IoS to receive national and regional support from the National Skills Academy which will ensure the education programme reflects the needs of the swimming workforce.

National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure

The National Skills Academy network is the new gold standard for industry training, aiming to improve productivity and tackle skills shortages across England. There are currently 10 active Academies across various sectors with a further six in the business planning stage.

Each National Skills Academy puts employers at the heart of skills training for their sector: taking control of the design and delivery of learning in their industry, working in partnership with government and top training providers, from both the public and private sectors. Employers influence the curriculum to ensure it reflects employers’ needs; are involved in the academy’s management; set standards; and influence strategic direction.

The National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, part of the SkillsActive Group, has been created to provide one single, coherent approach to skills training in the sector. All training, qualifications and careers will be employer-led and employer-directed, ensuring better quality, more targeted training and better access to funds for training.

By 2010 the skills academy will operate via nine regional hubs throughout England. The first four hubs commenced operation last year in London, the North West, Yorkshire & Humber and the South East. The London hub will initially be at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, before moving into the London 2012 Legacy Park immediately after the Games. The others are located at Sheffield United FC and the University of Cumbria.

People can also access the best training resources virtually. The new Online Academy will be the first port of call for learners to find out about the skills needed to enter the sector or to progress their career. For employers, the website will provide valuable information about recognised training providers and advice on how to make the most effective use of staff training budgets.

More information can be found on www.sportactivensa.co.uk