If you have experience in education or training, or are keen to pass on your knowledge of lifesaving, why not enquire about joining your Club’s Education Team.

Surf Life Saving has several key roles for volunteers involved in member training.

If you are interested in joining your Education Team, speak to your Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education about the current opportunities.

Trainers

Trainers teach the skills and knowledge of our courses but do not make assessment decisions.

They take course participants through their learner journey as per the latest SLS Delivery and Assessment Guides, and help prepare them for assessment events.

They also play a large role in ensuring new members feel welcome and safe at their SLSC.

The SLSNSW Training Officer Certificate (TOC) provides members with the skills and knowledge required to professionally train SLS awards and nationally recognised units of competency using SLSA and SLSNSW resources, as well as follow the SLSNSW Member Training and Education Standard Operating Procedures (aka SLSNSW Education SOPs).

The TOC allows members to train other SLS members in the role of Training Officer for the award SLSNSW endorses them to deliver. Proficiency in this award is renewed each year by completing all items on the TAF Re-Endorsement Checklist which helps trainers follow the SLSNSW Education SOPs.

Upon successful completion, members also qualify for the following nationally recognised units of competency:

  1. TAEDEL301 Provide work skill instructions
  2. BSBCMM411 Make presentations

Entry Requirements:

  • Financial Member
  • Minimum Age of 16 years
  • Proficient in the SLS Award you wish to train
  • Meet suitability requirements
  • 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
    • training at least one SLS award annually
    • participating in professional development activities for SLSNSW trainers

Course duration is a minimum of 6 weeks*. This comprises a new self-paced online learning module released each week for 4 weeks, 2 virtual training sessions and 2 practical assessment tasks.

Program outline

Refer to the SLSNSW TOC Program Outline for more information.

Upcoming Courses
  1. TOC Aug 2023 = Registration opens on 17th July 2023 and closes on 30th July 2023. Course dates 14th Aug 2023 – 24th Sept 2023.
  2. TOC Oct 2023 = Registration opens on 25th Sept 2023 and closes on 8th Oct 2023. Course dates 23rd Oct 2023 – 3rd Dec 2023.

 

*Additional training sessions may be required to reach the required competency levels before assessment. RPL and credit transfer options are available. Refer to the SLSNSW Participant Handbook and the SLSNSW Training and Education Team for more information.

Assessors

Assessors are responsible for assessing participants once they have the skills and knowledge required, but cannot train and assess the same participants.

They arrive at assessment events to determine the competency outcome of course participants then complete each participant’s assessment portfolio to award them with both the SLS award and any aligned units of competency, e.g., The SLS Bronze Medallion and the Certificate II Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).

Assessors participate in training and assessment that provides them with the certified skills and knowledge required to assess SLS awards and nationally recognised units of competency using SLSA and SLSNSW resources.

In line with the latest SLSNSW Assessor and Facilitator Training Strategy, SLSNSW can financially support a pre-determined number of members to undertake this training with an external Registered Training Organisation.

Upon successful completion of training and assessment, members qualify for the following nationally recognised units of competency that form part of the TAESS00011 Assessor Skill Set (the minimum qualification required for assessors within the VET Sector):

  1. TAEASS401 Plan assessment activities and processes
  2. TAEASS402 Assess competence
  3. TAEASS403 Participate in assessment validation
  4. TAEASS502 Design and develop assessment tools

Entry Requirements:

  • Financial Member
  • Minimum Age of 17 years
  • Proficient in the SLS Award you wish to assess
  • Meet suitability requirements
  • Accept terms and conditions for any subsidised funding opportunities available at the time of course commencement
  • Commitment to:
    • maintaining your proficiency in the SLS award you wish to assess
    • maintaining currency in the latest units of competency and/or qualification you wish to assess
    • assessing at least one SLS award annually
    • participating in professional development activities for SLSNSW assessors.

Course duration varies depending on the delivery format available, which is usually fully self-paced or a blended delivery module.  Most members complete the training over 6-8 days plus self-paced learning within a 3-month period.

Training Providers

If you are eligible to proceed, SLSNSW will arrange for you to be enrolled on a course with one of three external Registered Training Organisations (RTOs):

  • Forsythes Training – Link
  • Fortress Learning – Link
  • HBA Learning Centres – Link
Upcoming Courses

Let your SLSNSW Branch Director of Education know you want to receive an application form when the next course intake opens.

 

Facilitators

Facilitators can train or assess course participants.

They can also train and assess the same participants for any one course if they are endorsed to do so by their club and/or branch.

This is helpful when more than one club comes together to deliver courses to larger groups of members, and for smaller clubs that may only have one person available to train and assess members.

Some high-risk and/or less frequently delivered courses may only be delivered by SLSNSW-endorsed or appointed facilitators, e.g., First Aid, Rescue Water Craft Operator, Silver Medallion Patrol Captain, Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue.

Delegated Facilitators are members who hold a current Certificate IV Training and Assessment (or equivalent) who can directly or indirectly supervise members in the role of an Endorsed Assessor as per the SLSNSW supervisory Framework.

Facilitators participate in training and assessment that provides them with the certified skills and knowledge required to both train and assess the same course participants completing SLS awards and nationally recognised units of competency using SLSA and SLSNSW resources.

Members with the latest Certificate IV Training and Assessment are also eligible to perform in other SLS roles, such as Delegated Facilitators supporting Endorsed Assessors.

In line with the latest SLSNSW Assessor and Facilitator Training Strategy, SLSNSW can financially support a pre-determined number of members to undertake this training with an external Registered Training Organisation.

Upon successful completion of training and assessment, members obtain the following 5 units of competency and qualify for the equivalent of a TAE40116 Certificate IV Training and Assessment:

  1. TAEDES401 Design and develop learning programs
  2. TAEDES402 Use training packages and accredited courses to meet client needs
  3. TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills
  4. TAEDEL401 Plan, organise and deliver group-based learning
  5. TAEDEL402 Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace

Entry Requirements:

  • Financial Member
  • Minimum Age of 17 years
  • Proficient in the SLS Award you wish to train and assess
  • Currently endorsed as a Trainer
  • Currently endorsed as an Assessor
  • Meet suitability requirements
  • Accept terms and conditions for any subsidised funding opportunities available at the time of course commencement
  • Commitment to:
    • maintaining your proficiency in the SLS award you wish to train and assess
    • maintaining currency in the latest units of competency related to the units and/or qualifications you wish to train and assess
    • facilitating at least one SLS award annually
    • participating in professional development activities for SLSNSW facilitators.

Course duration varies depending on the delivery format available, which is usually fully self-paced or a blended delivery module.  Most members complete the training over 6-8 days plus self-paced learning within a 3-month period.

Training Providers

If you are eligible to proceed, SLSNSW will arrange for you to be enrolled on a course with one of three external Registered Training Organisations (RTOs):

  • Forsythes Training – Link
  • Fortress Learning – Link
  • HBA Learning Centres – Link
Upcoming Courses

Let your SLSNSW Branch Director of Education know you want to receive an application form when the next course intake opens.

Endorsed Assessors

Endorsed assessors support delegated Assessors and Facilitators by acting as industry experts collecting assessment evidence under the SLSNSW Supervisory framework.

In line with the latest SLSNSW Assessor and Facilitator Training Strategy, SLSNSW can financially support a pre-determined number of members to undertake this training with an external Registered Training Organisation.

Upon successful completion of training and assessment, members qualify for the following nationally recognised units of competency that form part of the TAESS00015 Enterprise Trainer and Assessor Skill Set:

  1. TAEASS401 Plan assessment activities and processes
  2. TAEASS402 Assess competence
  3. TAEASS403 Participate in assessment validation

Entry Requirements:

  • Financial Member
  • Minimum Age of 17 years
  • Proficient in the SLS Award you wish to assess
  • Meet suitability requirements
  • Accept terms and conditions for any subsidised funding opportunities available at the time of course commencement
  • Commitment to:
    • maintaining your proficiency in the SLS award you wish to assess
    • maintaining currency in the latest units of competency and/or qualification you wish to assess
    • acting as an industry expert and collecting assessment evidence for at least one SLS award annually
    • participating in professional development activities for SLSNSW-endorsed assessors.

Course duration varies depending on the delivery format available, which is usually fully self-paced or a blended delivery module.  Most members complete the training over 3 days plus self-paced learning within a 3-month period.

Training Providers

If you are eligible to proceed, SLSNSW will arrange for you to be enrolled on a course with one of three external Registered Training Organisations (RTOs):

  • Forsythes Training – Link
  • Fortress Learning – Link
  • HBA Learning Centres – Link
Upcoming Courses

Let your SLSNSW Branch Director of Education know you want to receive an application form when the next course intake opens.

Refer to SLSNSW Assessor Facilitator Training 2022/23 for more information.

Steps to become a Trainer, Endorsed Assessor, Assessor or Facilitator ('TAF')

After letting your club's Chief Training Officer know that you wish to join your local education team, you will be paired with a TAF Mentor who will help and guide you through the following endorsement process to train and/or assess SLS courses in NSW. Please note that these steps are designed to be completed in order to ensure a smooth journey on the way to becoming a TAF.

Do you hold the latest SLS award you want to train and/or assess?

Do you hold the latest units of competency aligned with that SLS award, as shown on the SLS Education Pathways webpage?

  • If yes – You are eligible to proceed to TAF Endorsement Step 2.
  • If no – Contact your Club Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education to learn how you can progress through step 1.

Note:

  • It’s strongly recommended to hold an SLS award for one patrol season before progressing to train and/or assess that award.
  • Some members may need to complete an ‘RPL Assessment’ to obtain the latest units of competency if they were not present during some past award upgrades.
  • Some high-risk and/or less frequently delivered SLS awards may only be delivered by SLS Facilitators, e.g., First Aid, SMAR, SMPC, RWC.
  • For more information about what SLS awards align to units of competency, click the picture below to view the SLSNSW Education Pathways webpage.

Education Pathways

Do you hold the units of competency required to train and/or assess units of competency?

Have you completed a Trainer, Assessor or Facilitator course through SLSNSW?

  • If yes – You are eligible to proceed to TAF Endorsement Step 3.
  • If no – Contact your Club Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education to learn how you can progress through step 2.

Note: 

  • SLSNSW can provide recognition of prior learning pathways to achieve the required units of competency.
  • See the information available on each TAF role at the top of this webpage to review what units of competency are required for each role and what information is available about the next TAF course coming up.

Are you required to have a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?

If required, do you have a WWCC?

Is your WWCC recorded in SurfGuard?

  • If not needed or you have obtained a WWCC – You are eligible to proceed to TAF Endorsement Step 4.
  • If not sure – contact your Club Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education to learn how you can progress through step 3.

Note:

  • Usually, you will be required to have a WWCC if you are training and/or assessing groups under 18 years old for more than 5 days a year.
  • Your Club Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education can help add your WWCC records into SurfGuard.
  • For more information, click the picture below to view the SLSNSW Working With Children Check FAQs.

Working With Children Check Requirements – 2022

Can you see a Probationary TAF award in your Awards List?

Can you access the restricted SLS education resources from the SLSNSW Training Resources webpage?

  • If yes – You are eligible to proceed to TAF Endorsement Step 5.
  • If no – Contact your Branch Director of Education to learn how you can progress through step 4.

Note:

  • At this point in your endorsement journey, SLSNSW will add your Probationary TAF award to your SurfGuard records. This award grants you access to restricted SLS education resources in the SLS Members Area Document Library, such as the SLS course delivery and assessment guides that includes answers to the latest assessment questions.
  • Take some time before your first course is scheduled to familiarise yourself with the latest training resources available.
  • During this time, your club Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education will also contact you to inform you when you will be training and/or assessing your first two courses alongside one of your peers supporting you in the role of a TAF Mentor.
  • Log into the SLS Members Area, then click the link below to visit the SLSNSW Training Resources webpage and access the SLS-restricted education resources.

Training Resources

 

For each SLS award that you want to train and/or asses…

Have you trained and/or assessed at least 2 courses with a ‘TAF Mentor’?

Have you and your Branch Director of Education completed the TAF Endorsement Kit?

  • If yes – Congratulations and many thanks! SLSNSW will add the relevant TAF award to your SurfGuard records. Your Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education will contact you to discuss how you can be involved in your local region’s course calendar moving forward and receive a TAF shirt.
  • If no – Contact your Branch Director of Education to learn how you can progress through the final step 5.

Note:

  • Depending on which SLS awards you seek TAF endorsement and your local course calendar, this step may occur over one or two patrol seasons.
  • During this time, your TAF mentor(s) will connect you with your wider education team, and deepen your understanding of the SLSNSW Training and Education SOPs. They will also walk you through any restricted course resources to help you increase your confidence when training and/or assessing the courses. They will also outline the annual TAF re-endorsement requirements that take place after you become a TAF.
  • You will also complete the BM  Online Induction v2021 if you progress to become a Bronze Medallion TAF. This online training is available within the SLS eLearning Menu as shown below (SLSNSW Training Category).

 

Answers to FAQs

TAF course enrolments take place four to five times each year.

Training is delivered virtually with offline practical activities and assessments between weekly or fortnightly facilitated Zoom sessions.

This delivery method offers more flexible learning experiences better suited to members’ busy lifestyles while providing support opportunities for members to successfully complete this course of study.

“… ended up much better than the classroom. Being able to go back and review lessons when I was doing the assessments was really helpful.” – Belinda Dobson, Freshwater SLSC

Upcoming course dates to note

Let your Branch Director of Education know you want to receive an Expression of Interest or Application form when the next course intakes open.

Training Officer Certificate

Training Officer Certificate Course Calendar 2023

Assessor and Facilitator Courses

Please contact your Branch Director of Education for more information.

Because all assessments need to be lodged electronically, members participating in TAF training need to be able to:

  • Access and use a computer, a keyboard, and a mouse or touchpad
  • Access and navigate the internet, e.g., open webpages
  • Use email, including attaching and downloading files
  • Save and retrieve files located on your computer or online, e.g., PDF, Doc and Docx format
  • Download and extract zip folders
  • Run and operate a variety of software programs, including a word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Zoom)
  • Upload, create, organise, open, edit, copy, paste, name, and rename files
  • Cut and paste information from one document/program to another

Ideally, all participants will have access to a personal computer, with Microsoft Word installed and a reliable internet connection.

If you intend to participate in online sessions, your computer will also need a video camera, microphone and reliable broadband Internet access.

Some external training providers may recommend the use of a second screen, TV or device in lieu of split screens, and access to access to headphones or earphones.

Advanced notice will be required if this is not possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Step 1

Contact your Chief Training Officer (CTO) or Branch Director of Education (DoE) to discuss upcoming training opportunities and express your interest in enrolling into an upcoming course.

Step 2

Complete either the online SLSNSW TOC Course EOI or the online SLSNSW Subsidised Assessor/Facilitator Training Application Form provided to you by your CTO or Branch DoE at the appropriate time.

Step 3

Answer the call or accept the online induction invite from the SLSNSW Training and Education Team to discuss the next steps.

After the relevant forms have been completed, a member of the SLSNSW Training and Education team will contact you regarding the next steps in the course enrolment process.

Subsidised vocational training supports members to gain units of competency or qualifications to become an Endorsed Assessor, Assessor and Facilitator as per step 2 of the SLSNSW TAF Endorsement process.

If you answer ‘Yes’ to each question below, we encourage you to apply to join the next subsidised course intake:

  • Are you a current financial member of SLSNSW?
  • Will you be at least 18 years of age on the expected date of course completion?
  • Do you intend to actively facilitate or assess SLS courses after completing this training?
  • Can you dedicate 4-6 hours a week to independent learning/assessment between training sessions for the duration of your course?
  • Can you perform all the digital tasks outlined in the digital literacy requirements below?
  • Do you have support from your club and branch who may, in exceptional circumstances, share financial accountability for the training?

Additional questions for members transitioning to become a Facilitator:

  • Have you been re-endorsed as both a trainer and assessor?
  • Have been actively training and assessing SLS awards for at least the last two seasons?

Refer to this Assessor and Facilitator Training Options 2022/23 document for more information, such as subsidised costs for each course and the subsidy terms and conditions.

Once you are endorsed, you are required to keep your skills and knowledge up to date in the award you are delivering, as well as in your training and/or assessing skills.

To help you do this, your Club/Branch will run a range of at least two meetings throughout the year, which you will need to attend.

For more information about TAF re-endorsement processes and requirements, click the link below to be taken to the SLSNSW TAF Re-Endorsement webpage.

TAF Re-endorsement

SLSNSW Branch and/or club officers with SLS Members Area Online Store Administration access can order TAF shirts through the online store.

Speak to your club’s Chief Training Officer or Branch Director of Education to order your first or a replacement TAF shirt.

If you have administration access, you can click the link below to log into the SLSA Members Area and be taken directly to the online store.

SLS Members Area Online Store

Note – TAF shirts take 7-14 days to arrive via mail upon order confirmation.

Support Available

  • TAF Mentors guide Probationary TAFs through each step of the SLSNSW TAF Endorsement Process and support them in becoming knowledgeable and confident members of their training and education team.
  • Other TAFs in your network are available to support you. They may be at your SLSC or another.
  • Delegated Facilitators directly or indirectly support and supervise Endorsed Assessors.
  • Chief Training Officers are the main source of support for TAFs at their club as well as the key point of contact between the club and the branch on education-related matters.
  • Branch Directors of Education support CTOs to maintain a high and consistent standard in education and ensure their Branches and Surf Life Saving Clubs comply with Surf Life Saving / RTO policies and procedures.

If you have any further questions about the support available or joining the Education Team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SLSNSW Training and Education Team (education@surflifesaving.com.au).