How to become a Trainer?

There are four main steps to become a Training Officer and maintain the right to train. These steps are:

  1. Gain the Training Officer Skill Set (2x TAE units of competency)

  2. Meet the requirements of a Probationary Trainer

  3. Deliver Courses

  4. Re-Endorse each year

Note: It is strongly recommended to hold an SLS award for one patrol season before progressing to train and/or assess that award.

Training Officer Award

This award provides members with the skills and knowledge required to professionally train SLS awards and nationally recognised units of competency using SLSA and SLSSA resources. It allows members to train other SLS members, in their role as a Training Officer, for any awards SLSSA endorses them to deliver.

Upon successful completion, members will qualify for the following nationally recognised skill set and units of competency:

TAESS00029 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set

Units that form the skill set:

  • BSBCMM411 Make presentations

  • TAEDEL 311 Provide work skill instruction

Pathway

By gaining this skill set, it opens the door to becoming:

  • A Trainer in a number of different SLSSA awards

  • An Assessor

  • A Facilitator as the units provide credit towards TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

  • An Education Advisory Committee member

It also provides you National Education opportunities, and the ability to train volunteers in other organisations that require volunteers to be trained.


Current Courses

Application are now open for the 2024/2025 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set Course, facilitated by SLSQLD.

Key Dates

  • EOI Closes: Wednesday 24th July 

  • Notification of selection: All applications will be processed as they are received. Please allow up to three working days for this to occur

  • Enrolment due: Friday 26th July

  • Induction Session: Wednesday 31st July, Online

  • Face to Face Session:

    • Day 1 & 2: 24th and Sunday 25th August, SLSSA

  • Post face-face session: TBC

Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set Course Details

    • Financial Member

    • Minimum age of 17 years

    • Proficient in the SLS award you wish to train

    • Hold the latest unit/s of competency for that award

    • Good computer skills and ability to use relevant programs without guidance

    You will require access to:

    A computer which has:

    • Internet access

    • Adobe Reader

    • Microsoft Word

    • Web browser installed

    • Video and audio recording device such as a smart phone or web cam

    You will need to write and develop a range of different documents including:

    • Learning programs, session plans, describing contents and ideas, outlining reasons and opinions

    • Resources such as PowerPoints, handouts, quizzes, and observation checklists

    You will need to be committed to:

    • Maintaining your proficiency in the SLS Award you wish to train

    • Maintaining currency in the latest units of competency and/or qualification you wish to train

    • Train at least SLS Award annually

    • Participating in professional development activities for SLSSA Trainers.

  • Surf Life Saving SA has engaged Surf Life Saving QLD to deliver the Training and Assessing Skills Sets.

    Course will be delivered in a blended mode and involves:

    • Online Induction

    • Access to online learning

    • Face to face learning

    Duration

    • Participants are expected to complete the course within 6 months of enrolment.

    Cost

    • The commercial value of the course is $1000

    • For those selected into the course, SLSSA will cover your enrolment fees

  • Volume of Learning

    • Online self-paced learning: 26 hrs

    • Face-to-face Trainer-led learning sessions: 3 hrs

    • Face-to-face peer observations: 9 hrs

    • Assessment: 21.5 hrs

    Prior to face-to-face session

    • Learning Modules 1-3 (15 hours)

    • Assessment Task 01: Knowledge Questions (2 hours)

    At face-to-face sessions (2 days)

    • Assessment Task 02: Provide work skill instructions for an individual

    • Assessment Task 03: Deliver training to a small group

    Post face-to-face session

    • Assessment Task 04: Deliver training in your workplace/club (4.5 hours)

  • Those who wish to become a trainer and gain the Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set will need to submit an EOI form to SLSSA before the closing date.

    Upon submission, your application will be reviewed and will require endorsement from your club and consideration at State level. If successful, you will be asked to enrol into the course as a tentative booking.

    Once you attend the online induction session, and confirm your commitment, your enrolment will be confirmed and then you will have access to the online learning platform.

    • Submitting an EOI form does not guarantee your selection into the course.

    • If enrolment or online learning is not completed by the required dates, you may be removed from the course and your position provided to someone on the waitlist.

    • This program is delivered in line with SLSSA policies and procedures.

    PRE-REQUISITES:

    • Financial Member

    • Minimum Age of 17 years

    • Proficient in the SLS award you wish to train

    • Hold the latest unit of competency for that award

    • Meet requirements of the course provider

    COMMITMENT TO:

    • Maintaining your proficiency in the SLS award you wish to train

    • Maintaining currency in the latest units of competency and/or qualification you wish to train

    • Train at least one SLS award annually

    • Participating in professional development activities for SLSSA trainers

    WITHDRAWAL / NON-COMPLETION:

    If you are no longer able to complete the course due to medical reasons or a change in personal circumstances, you will need to provide SLSSA supporting documentation such as:

    • Medical Certificate

    • Details of exceptional circumstances

    CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:

    Participants (in and out of the water) are expected to cooperate with the instruction and direction of all trainers. Inappropriate or disruptive behaviour could result in exclusion from the program. Trainers are not responsible for the general supervision of others at the location.

    LEARNING PLATFORM ACCESS PERMISSION

    This course is being managed and delivered by SLSQLD, but to allow SLSSA Member Education team to assist students locally, limited information will be provided by SLSQLD to SLSSA to provide students with updates and access to their online learning profile.

    MEDICAL & LEARNING CONDITIONS:

    If a participant has a medical condition (e.g. asthma, attention deficit disorder, diabetes, epilepsy and/or others) or learning conditions that may impact your ability to complete the course, it must be listed and detailed on the nomination form. If necessary, please provide a detailed explanation of your situation and how we can assist you.

    USE OF IMAGE:

    Surf Life Saving SA programs have the permission to utilise any photographs or footage taken of participants during the course of the program for future promotions in any media, with regards to promoting water safety awareness, participation or for reporting purposes.

    Any footage taken, may be used for future promotions in any media, with regards to promoting water safety awareness, participation or for reporting purposes. Surf Life Saving SA will inform staff and parents if / when a drone will be used.

    If you do not wish to have your photograph taken, please indicate on this form, in addition to the lead trainer the first day of the program.


Probationary Trainer

Once you hold the Training Officer Delivery skill set, you will become a Probationary Trainer for the SLS award you wish to train.

To move from a Probationary Trainer to a SLSSA Endorsed Training Officer you will need to follow the SLSSA Probationary Trainer and Assessor Process*.

This involves delivering one full course in the award you want to be endorsed for, under direct supervision of a qualified Training Officer. If all participant pass and the Assessor is satisfied with the quality of training, you will you become an endorsed Training Officer.

* Please note, SLSSA Probationary Trainer Process is currently being reviewed by the Education Advisory Committee. Once finalised, information will be updated. If you have any questions, please speak to a SLSSA Member Ed team member.