Previous Page
InDuSTRy NEWS
This extensive research has led to a revised structure of REPs entry which will be implemented shortly. It has also led to a revision of the National Occupational Standards. The NOS, which are split in to levels 2, 3 and 4 in line with levels of REPs membership, will be published before the end of 2009.
As the fitness industry, including REPs and its members, gains more recognition from Government and the Health Sector it can be confident that the underpinning standards that the sector is based on have been developed to reflect the world class level of instruction and service that the industry delivers to its customers.
The UK has set the pace for the rest of Europe to follow when it comes to professionalising the industry – and REPs has become the “role model” for the development of EREPS – the European Register of Exercise Professionals that was launched late last year. It basically works to the same standards, systems and protocols so that the registration status for exercise professionals can be recognised across Europe.
EREPS news
Based in Brussels it spans 36 different countries and states covering the geographic area of Europe. Already there are members from 18 different countries – all benchmarked against a common set of European standards. EREPS is part-funded by the European Commission who has developed a common qualification framework (EQF) and encourages the improved mobility of workers – so membership of EREPS becomes a sort of “passport”.
Many exercise professionals already move from country
to country and some of the big international employers such as Fitness First, Health City, Holmes Place and SATS are firmly behind the concept and principles of EREPS. Members have to abide by a Code of Ethical Practice, hold liability insurance, and to complete an annual programme of ongoing professional development all of which are concepts that are very familiar in the UK. Across Europe there is strong promotion of what is known as “lifelong learning” which is really another term for CPD.
There are four main occupations
– fitness instructor, group fitness instructor, water fitness instructor and at a higher level - personal trainer. Work is underway to look at pre-designed programme instructing (such as Les Mills and Curves), Pilates teaching, working with children, and non-active population groups.
The first two countries where national registers are being developed as part of the EREPS programme are the Netherlands and Portugal – and all members of REPs UK at level 2 and above are automatically members of EREPs. Full details available at www.ereps.eu
CONVENTION DATES l
at LIW in Birmingham this month.
Planned for Thursday 24th September 2009 the day will feature a special programme of speakers including Dr Colin Moran, from the University of Glasgow, who will speak on The Impact of Genetics on Exercise, and Nic Jarvis from training4leisure.
Delegates will also be able to take part in workshops and seminars delivered by BACR, FitPro, Later Life Training, the FIA and REPs, as well as visiting the LIW tradeshow (admission is included in the convention entry price). The REPs team will also be on our stand H200 – so don’t forget to come by and say hello!
l
A further conference for members in the north of England is planned for Friday 20th November 2009 in Leeds.
For additional information on both including CPD points, ticket prices and full itinerary details visit the new-look REPs website at www.exerciseregister.org
Tickets are still available for the REPs National Convention – Professionalising the Industry - to be held