Innovative training solution provides staff pipeline for aquatic industry

In the space of just six years, Emily Bower has progressed from a School Based Traineeship to become General Manager City Venue Management’s Registered Training Organisation – CVM Academy.

Nicky Sloan, Chief Executive Officer, CVM Academy said CVM’s school based traineeship program commenced well before the impact Covid-19 and the subsequent nationwide talent shortage and the company’s foresight helped address their base recruitment strategy.

“The aquatic industry is no different to any other sector and across the board we are experiencing significant labour issues. The current skills shortage is limiting business performance and impacting their ability to operate at their optimal commercial potential.

“We believe that investing in and growing our young people not only helps them develop to their full potential, but it also improves business performance and our ability to grow. With pools preparing for summer, the need for a large intake of qualified employees continues to be a challenge for everyone in the industry."

“Our traineeship program was initially implemented to address a skill shortage within the industry and it has now turned into our pipeline of talent, giving us the ability to shape and mould school students into the future leaders of our business and the broader aquatic industry,” Nicky said.

Emily said completing a School Based Traineeship with CVM was one of the best things she has ever undertaken. “The program is really thorough, I was trained and mentored all the way through, it gave me the opportunity to earn while I learnt and equipped me to leave school industry ready. The opportunities for all trainees are endless but for me to land a management job after just six years with a highly regarded business like CVM is incredible,” Emily said.

Nicky said the CVM Academy (RTO 31946) now works with multiple external businesses to support them in developing their own school-based traineeship programs.

“We help source students to work within their business and offer all the necessary training to complete their relevant traineeship qualification.

“The pathway opportunities provided to students has been incredible with former trainees like Emily now in management and site support roles all throughout our business as well as across the aquatic industry,” Nicky said.

Halogen Pools CEO Heath Rackley says implementing School Based Trainees into his business has been a game changer. “There is a definite shortage of qualified pool technicians in our industry, this program gives us 12 months on the job training to prepare young students for post schooling pathways along with a future career in our business and more importantly our industry at large,” Heath said.

Nicky said CVM Academy were now looking at expanding their offerings and reinventing the learning journey by making it fun with a digital-first approach through gamification and virtual reality. “We currently have over 150 trainees and would love to support more businesses with implementing these pathways for school-based trainees to help alleviate some of the staffing strains being experienced across industries.” Nicky said. For more information visit https://www.cvmacademy.com.au or email: Hello@cvmacadmey.com.au