press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
STA and Virgin Active renew training partnership
STA is delighted to confirm that Virgin Active has re-signed its partnership with the association, continuing the successful collaboration first established in 2021 to support the delivery of high-quality aquatic and safety training across Virgin Active’s UK clubs.
Over the last four years, Virgin Active’s Learning & Development (L&D) Team has significantly expanded its internal training capability, delivering thousands of face-to-face and blended learning opportunities for team members across its nationwide estate.
As an STA Approved Training Centre, Virgin Active benefits from managing its aquatic training needs in-house, maintaining full oversight of delivery quality, and supporting the ongoing development of its aquatic teams. This status ensures Virgin Active can deliver STA-regulated qualifications to the highest standards.
Through its renewed partnership with STA, Virgin Active’s L&D Team will continue to provide clear entry routes for new learners and structured upskilling opportunities for existing team members. Courses will also remain open to external candidates where appropriate, supporting broader community training needs.
In addition, Virgin Active will continue to deliver STA’s full portfolio of swimming teaching, lifeguarding, baby and preschool, disability, first aid and pool plant qualifications. From 2026, this will also extend to STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification.
Stuart Dickinson, quality development and apprenticeship manager at Virgin Active, said: “Renewing our partnership with STA reflects our confidence in the quality and robustness of their qualifications. STA’s support has helped our Learning & Development Team deliver consistent, industry-leading training for colleagues across our clubs and for the wider community. We look forward to building on this success as we continue developing accessible pathways into the leisure industry and inspiring the next generation of aquatic professionals.”
Dave Candler, STA CEO, added: “We are delighted that Virgin Active has renewed its partnership with STA. Their commitment to providing high-quality training aligns perfectly with our mission to raise standards across the aquatic industry. As an STA Approved Training Centre, they continue to demonstrate exceptional quality, consistency and dedication in developing the next generation of swimming teachers and lifeguards.”
For more information about training opportunities with Virgin Active, please visit: https://www.virginactive.co.uk
Zoe Cooper, commercial director
Kayle Brightwell, director of education
Brett Preston, director of digital services
Stuart Tanfield, finance director
Its qualifications and memberships support individual swimming teachers, schools and organisations delivering aquatic programmes.
There will be a continued focus on expanding CPD provision with specialist partners, enhancing digital learning and improving accessibility to training.
STA will also progress charity initiatives to support recruitment within the aquatic workforce, including bursary programmes and outreach activity, while strengthening its work in inclusion, disability swimming and community engagement.
– Andrew Clark, national sport & aquatics manager, GLL
– Stuart Dickinson, quality development and apprenticeship manager, Virgin Active
– Kelly Gaffney, head of people and culture, swim@
