Wakefield Council has confirmed the renewal of its successful partnership with STA, emphasising its commitment to delivering high-quality CIMSPA-endorsed aquatic training. Through this extended collaboration, Wakefield Council will also expand its training portfolio to include STA’s lifeguarding and first aid qualifications, alongside STA’s existing swimming teaching and pool plant qualifications.

This decision by Wakefield Council follows the success of the in-house STA Approved Training Centre (ATC) model over the past two years, which has streamlined workforce training and development. By renewing the agreement and incorporating lifeguarding and first aid, the council’s leisure team will also benefit from a single source for all its aquatic qualification needs, ensuring control over standards, delivery consistency, and the ongoing specialist support from STA.

The partnership also supports Wakefield Council’s recruitment strategy in support of its aquatic programmes, and its commitment to professional development for existing staff. Through STA’s in-house tutor model, training can be flexibly organised across its five leisure and sports complexes – Featherstone, Minsthorpe, Normanton, Sun Lane, and Aspire @ The Park – based on their individual workforce requirements.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Renewing our partnership with STA is an important step in ensuring we continue to provide high-quality, tutor-led training for our staff and communities. With the addition of lifeguarding and first aid qualifications, we are further strengthening our training framework, helping to raise standards and maintain consistency across all our leisure facilities.”

Zoe Cooper, STA’s Commercial Director, added:

“We are delighted that Wakefield Council has chosen to continue to expand its partnership with STA. Our goal is to support leisure organisations in delivering high-quality, cost-effective training solutions, and Wakefield Council’s commitment to this approach reflects its dedication to maintaining excellence in workforce development.”

As part of the partnership Wakefield Council will also be continuing with STA’s School Swimming Academy programme, which it runs for more than 100 schools in the area.

Click here for further information on Wakefield Council’s learn to swim programmes!