I am pleased to let you know that referrals are now open for Edinburgh Leisure's Summer of Sport Workforce Development Programme.

Thanks to the funding, we have several free training places available for 16–25-year-olds who are not currently in employment, education, or training (NEET) to gain industry-recognised qualifications through Edinburgh Leisure's Aquatics & Lifesaving Training Academy.

The programme offers fully funded opportunities to achieve:

  • National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
  • Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ)
  • Introduction to Teaching Swimming
  • Emergency First Aid Qualification

We are particularly keen to receive referrals from young people supported through employability, youth work, community learning and development, care-experienced services, and other partner organisations across the city. Please find the referral from below.

Summer Of Sport – Workforce Referral Form

Please find below all the key dates of the courses and please note to attend an NPLQ course, candidates must be aged 16 or over by the date of the final assessment and be able to:

  • Jump or dive into deep water
  • Swim 50 metres in under 60 seconds
  • Swim 100 metres continuously (front and back)
  • Tread water for 30 seconds in deep water
  • Surface dive to the bottom of the pool
  • Climb out of the pool unaided (where pool design permits)

This will be assessed before candidates are accepted onto the programme. Please find further information on all the courses by visiting our website here.

We would be grateful if you could circulate these opportunities and refer any suitable young people who would benefit from gaining qualifications and progressing towards employment in the sport and leisure sector.

For referrals or further information, please contact me or our ATA team ata@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

Edinburgh Leisure – Summer of Sport Workforce Development Dates

Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ)

2 funded spaces available per course

Dates Venue Times
9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 29, 30 & 31 August 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 27 & 28 September 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23 & 24 October 2026 Wester Hailes High School Fridays 1pm–9pm, Weekends 9am–5pm
14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 November & 6, 7 December 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 & 31 January 2027 Wester Hailes High School Fridays 1pm–9pm, Weekends 9am–5pm
6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 27 & 28 February 2027 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 26, 27 & 28 March 2027 Wester Hailes High School Fridays 1pm–9pm, Weekends 9am–5pm
Introduction to Teaching Swimming

8 funded spaces available per course

Dates Venue Times
12–13 September 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
11–12 October 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 9am–5pm
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

2 funded spaces available per course

Dates Venue Times
3–7 August 2026 Portobello High School 9am–6pm
10–14 August 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
17–21 August 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
12–16 October 2026 Portobello High School 9am–6pm
26–30 October 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
2–6 November 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
23–27 November 2026 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
25–29 January 2027 Royal Commonwealth Pool 8am–5pm
15–19 February 2027 Leith Academy High School 9am–6pm
15–19 February 2027 Wester Hailes High School 8am–5pm
First Aid Courses

Emergency First Aid

5 funded spaces available per course

Dates Venue Times
25 October 2029 Meggetland Sports Complex 9am–4.30pm
17 January 2027 Meadowbank Sports Centre 9am–4.30pm