PoolWerx is set to roll out Australia’s new national accreditation for pool and spa care technicians thanks to a $250,000 grant from the government.
The National Workforce Development Fund grant will see the pool and spa care franchise provide its 300 technicians with the training they need in order to meet the requirements of the new qualifications.
These include the Certificate III in Swimming Pool and Spa Service, which certifies competent pool and spa technicians, and the Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service, which is for those who either manage a team of technicians or operate their own business within the industry.
PoolWerx has teamed up with registered training organisation Traxion Training to facilitate the training, and the company’s first wave of technicians will graduate in September.
PoolWerx CEO John O’Brien said the new qualifications will reshape the industry. “This is the most significant advancement in the history of Australia’s pool and spa services sector,” he said.
“Despite almost 10,000 pool and spa technicians working in the industry, no qualification has recognised their expertise and professional skills until now.”
O’Brien believes the qualifications will benefit the pool and spa care industry in a multitude of different ways. “The new standards will not only enhance the skills of new and existing workers, but it will improve the reputation of the industry by giving pool technicians more accountability in what they do.”
He said the new framework allows PoolWerx franchisees to provide their staff with greater career prospects. “Our franchise partners can now offer their team members career pathways through training that is supported by qualifications recognised nation-wide.
“As a result we will see highly skilled and more experienced pool and spa technicians working in the industry for longer, which will improve the overall provision of services.”
Only those with recognised prior learning (RPL) or proven skills and experience will be eligible for the qualifications, as a complete course supporting them is still in the process of being developed.
Irrespective of the fact that pool and spa care technicians are not yet required to hold the certifications by law, O’Brien said this is the first big step for accrediting professionals in the industry.
“We’re working towards creating minimum industry skill standards, licensing requirements for operators and further workforce development opportunities through traineeships.”