This is a one year variable programme (depending on the individual’s progress) which provides work based training, leading to a national qualification. Apprentices will work with an approved employer in the Fitness industry and may attend the College for some specialist input.

    The qualification has four key components:
  • CYQ Gym Instructor (NVQ Level 2)
  • CYQ Understanding the Fitness, Leisure and Recreation Industry
  • CYQ Circuit Instructor (Level 2) or CYQ Group Indoor Cycling Instructor (Level 2)
  • Key Skills Level 1 Application of Number and Communication

Apprentices will be supported by College assessors in a structured, high quality learning programme which will include both skills and theory.

How can an Apprenticeship programme beneft your business?

    Thousands of employers have caught on to the financial and practical benefits of apprenticeships, including:
  • Apprentices who are industry qualified
  • Significant reduction in training costs
  • The chance to recruit and develop new staff
  • Committed employees with the practical skills their business needs
  • Training provider offers ‘off the job’ training, taking the emphasis off the employer
  • Training provider deals with all bureaucratic paperwork associated with apprenticeships
  • Programmes tailored to employer needs and standard operating procedures
  • Support from, and networking with, one of the country’s outstanding Colleges which has Beacon status and a national reputation for Exercise and Fitness training

How will an Apprenticeship programme develop your staff?

  • Valuable work experience, support and the chance to build skills essential to the job and future career goals
  • Pathway to becoming a qualified apprentice in Advanced Fitness Instructing (Level 3)
  • Financial support while learning
  • The chance to achieve a national standard and hold recognised qualifications
  • Assessment in the workplace and College, to suit your learning needs, style and work role
  • The opportunity to gain skills in application of number and communication relevant to employment and career opportunity
  • The majority of the assessment will take place in the workplace, although acording to learning needs, employer needs and workrole there will be some tutoring by experienced and vocationally qualified staff.

      What are the entry requirements?
    • Applicants should be aged between 16 and 18
    • They must already be employed or seeking a position in the Fitness industry.
    • Whilst there are no formal qualifications for the programme, candidates should have achieved a good standard of school education and be able to demonstrate a commitment to working in the Fitness Industry whilst fully achieving the aims and objectives of the apprenticeship programme.
  • It is desirable that applicants have good basic skills in one or more areas, i.e. communication, number and information technology
  • Places on the programme will be allocated on completion of a successful interview
  • How is the Apprenticeship structured?

      Candidates will learn:
    • Exercise and fitness knowledge, covering:
    • Bones and joint
    • s
    • Muscles and muscle actions
    • Cardiovascular and respiratory components of fitness
    • Principles of training
    • How to plan and teach safe and effective exercise sessions
    • How to adapt exercise to suit varied fitness levels
    • How to use a range of teaching skills
    • The body’s systems and its response to exercise
    • Health and safety factors
    • How to motivate and support clients
      What are the progression opportunities?
    • Apprenticeship in Advanced Fitness Instructing (NVQ Level 3) leading to Personal Training careers
    • Long term industry employment

    What costs are involved?

    Teaching and assessment fees are funded by the Learning and Skills Council (direct to the College). Employers are expected to renumerate the apprentice; the current minimum wage is £95 per week. For further information or to request an application form please contact:
    Julie Walker, Business Training Unit
    Tel: 023 9279 4661 or email: jwalker@southdowns.ac.uk