Workforce Development Update

Edition 12: 12 May 2008

Dear all,

We are pleased to be able to confirm the successful outcome of the OFSTED inspection into the delivery of the Advanced Apprenticeship for Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme in March, as the report has now been formally released.  The report highlights the key strengths of the programme: very good skills development in a variety of aquatic sports; high retention rates; good quality resources to promote learning; very good coaching to develop excellence in sports performance and good use of residential camps and workshops to develop learner's social, academic and aquatic skills.  The report also details how the programme has improved and developed since its introduction just under two years ago.  Steve Mitchell, AASE Programme Manager at Skills Active was particularly impressed with the results: "The outcome of the report is very encouraging - without having a full cohort of apprentices finish their programme the grade achieved is a credit to the expertise, enthusiasm and knowledge of the whole team."  If you would like a copy of the full report please contact claire.freeman@swimming.org

Also on the subject of AASE, swimmers Andrew Willis and Jenna Turner visited the House of Lords last Wednesday to talk about how their apprenticeship is helping to shape their careers during an 'Apprenticeships Reception' hosted by the Associate Parliamentary Skills Group.  The cross-party event gave politicians the chance to learn about the scheme and encouraged them to promote the good work of the apprenticeships nationally and within their constituencies.  Director of English Programmes Anne Adams-King also attended.

Tutor Training has now commenced with an induction day for London last week, including the first potential Water Polo tutor. 

Plenty of course feedback has been received recently across all Levels:
A candidate on a Level 1 Certificate for Teaching Aquatics course run by Ray Butters (the IoS Tutor for the North region) said "I got a lot out of the course and the way you delivered it."  More praise for this course, this time run by Sandie Roots, "I would just like to say how much I enjoyed this course.  Sandie Roots was an excellent tutor, experienced, knowledgeable and encouraging.  I felt I learned a huge amount."  The Director of Swimming at Virgin Active Ltd passed on his thanks to Ray Butters following a Level 2 Certificate for Coaching Swimming course recently, "just wanted to say a big thanks from myself and Paul for the course. We have already started applying some of the lessons to our club! Thanks again."  Finally a Level 3 Certificate for Coaching Swimming Unit 1 course generated this feedback, "Level 3 Unit 1 in Leeds was very interesting.  Terry Dennison (MBE!) tutor was great to listen to and talk with."

A new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Seminar has been added to the Institute of Swimming Training Directory entitled 'Injury Prevention and Management Ideas for Swimming Coaches'.  This 3-hour session provides an understanding of specific and practical injury prevention and management activities and the positive role they can play in swimmer development. To read more click here.

The 2008 Swimming selection policy for new AASE applicants has been added to the Teachers & Coaches section of the website, along with an updated eligibility form and information booklet, click here to download these documents.

Thanks for reading.