Council Encourages Expressions of Interest for Learn & Earn Program

Ararat Rural City Council is seeking enthusiastic, community-focused locals looking for flexible work to apply for the Learn & Earn Program.

Through this initiative participants can obtain their AUSTSWIM accreditation completely free of charge, creating opportunities to join the Ararat Fitness Centre’s casual aquatics team as either a Learn to Swim Teacher or Aqua Aerobics Instructor.

Participants must be aged 16 and over and hold, or be willing to obtain before the training commences, current First Aid & CPR certificates, and a valid Working with Children Check.

A full-day AUSTSWIM Swimming and Water Safety Teacher training course is scheduled to be held on Friday 2 October 2026 at the Ararat Fitness Centre.

Course assessment includes a theory paper questionnaire and practical assessment activities conducted at the Ararat Fitness Centre’s indoor pool.

This training is a nationally recognised course and has been designed in line with the RLSSA Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations and best practice water safety principles and practices. 

“I encourage any community members who are on the look-out for a new career opportunity to consider expressing their interest in this fantastic initiative,” says Mayor Bob Sanders. “It’s a really great way to get involved in the community whilst also learning valuable new skills.”

Spots are strictly limited, so early registration is recommended. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form online via Engage Ararat: engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/learn-earn-program.

Please note that formal employment offers are conditional. Successful participants will be offered a casual employment contract at the Ararat Fitness Centre only after successfully completing both the required training program and job application process.