It is a difficult time of year for many students who have completed their exams and are looking to decide how they are going to shape their careers. For those students looking to forge a career in the Health and Fitness industry, the quandary is whether to attend a lengthy academic course at university or take a shorter vocational qualification which gives the practical skills to enter the industry immediately.
At Premier Training International our team of careers advisers are frequently contacted by university graduates or college students who chose academic sports-related courses over vocational based courses as they believe that this was the best route for entering the health and fitness industry.
Unfortunately, many academic qualifications do not cover the relevant practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to pursue a career as a Personal Trainer or Gym Instructor; therefore, when school leavers are making educational choices they need to thoroughly research the syllabus to ensure they have all the information they need in order to make the right career choice. Before embarking onto a course they should be able to answer the following questions:
- At what level is the qualification recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals e.g. Level 3 Advanced Instructor?
- Does the course cover the necessary modules specifically geared towards personal training? For example, applied nutritional advice, lifestyle analysis and fitness assessment, consultation skills and exercise prescription for a wide range of populations, not just sports people?
Academic qualifications are, as they suggest, academic, and although more forward thinking Higher Education establishments have recently introduced more vocationally based qualifications they still do little to prepare a student for the world of gym instruction and personal training.
Vocationally based qualifications should be the standard for school leavers wishing to enter this fantastic industry.
For more information please contact 0845 1 90 90 90 to speak with one of our Careers Advisers, or complete the form below to arrange an appointment.
