Published on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 10:36:19 AM
Casual work at Newman Aquatic Centre is being turned into recognised learning, with the Shire of East Pilbara working with Newman Senior High School to help eligible students have their employment hours counted toward WACE credits.
The initiative means students working at the Aquatic Centre can build confidence, gain qualifications, earn an income and have their workplace experience support their pathway to high school graduation.
The Aquatic Centre currently employs 31 secondary school students in casual roles across kiosk operations, lifeguarding and swim teaching, from Year 9 through to Year 12. A further nine former Newman Senior High School students are now employed as adult staff members at the centre.
Shire President Cr Anthony Middleton said the WACE recognition process added another layer of value to the first job experience.
“A lot of young people just need someone to give them a go,” Cr Middleton said.
“At the Aquatic Centre, they are getting that first job, learning how to deal with people, turning up on time, taking responsibility and building confidence.
“The really good thing here is that the work they are already doing may also count toward their schooling. That gives the job extra value, because it is helping them at work and helping them move toward graduation.”
One of those students is Harlen, who started working at Newman Aquatic Centre in late 2023 as a kiosk attendant.
Since then, he has completed his Bronze Medallion and Pool Lifeguard qualification and is planning to undertake the Aquatic Technical Operator course after finishing high school.
“I like getting involved in all the different events that happen at the Aquatic Centre,” Harlen said.
“I’ve got my Bronze Medallion and lifeguard qualification, and I’ve become more confident talking to people and learning from my workmates.
“I feel excited and relieved knowing my job can help with my WACE, and one day I’d like to run pools.”
The WACE recognition process is being progressed in partnership with Newman Senior High School and applies to eligible students whose work hours and duties meet the required criteria.
Manager Aquatic Services Melissa Warren said the centre’s young staff were gaining skills that would stay with them well beyond the pool environment.
“We are really proud of the young people working at Newman Aquatic Centre,” Ms Warren said.
“They turn up, take on responsibility, work with the public and learn how to be part of a team.
“For many of them, this is their first job. They are learning customer service, first aid, emergency response, time management and workplace accountability, which are skills they can take into any career.”
The Aquatic Centre provides employment opportunities for high school students, school leavers, young adults entering the workforce, trainees and emerging aquatic industry employees.
The Shire will continue working with Newman Senior High School to support students progressing through the WACE recognition process.
Harlen Newman Aquatic Centre employee and Newman Senior High School Student
Back to All News