INDUSTRY NEWS

European Commission promotes new Skills In Fitness system

The European Commission is re-classifying all occupations and trades in a new system based on skills. For the first time fitness professionals are going to be separately identified and based on the European Fitness Sector Qualification Framework the key different occupations such as group fitness instructor, personal trainer, Pilates Trainer and so on will be listed. This gives added weight and importance to exercise professionals all across Europe being recognised for their competencies through the European Register of Exercise Professionals.

The European Health and Fitness Association are expert contributors to the work of the Commission in this new classification which is expected take around a year to complete. This work fits closely to how all 28 European Member States are creating their national qualification frameworks – all referenced to the European Framework. It helps to give clarity to understanding of qualifications for fitness professionals across Europe – many of whom are travelling in search of employment – not just in Europe but around the world.

The UK was one of the first countries to complete this and now there are 16 who have followed. Behind the scenes it is very technical and complex but “up-front” it provides us with a basis to compare and recognise qualifications for exercise professionals. Over 10% of EREPS members a year change the country where they work which is a very high level of mobility.

www.exerciseregister.org Matrix Flame Awards 2013

The ukactive and Matrix Flame Awards 2013 were announced on Wednesday 3rd July at the Ball of Fire, in front of an audience of 800 delegates from across the UK health and fitness sector. The award ceremony was held at The International Centre in Telford.

David Stalker, CEO of ukactive said, “I’d like to congratulate all our finalists who prove year on year just what our sector is capable of. The standard was once again staggeringly high and every winner truly earned their award. Exceptional customer service coupled with concise operational ability were prevalent right across the board. The sector is getting better and better and I hope this year’s winners inspire others to just keep on improving.”

The winners Leisure Centre of the Year Fareham Leisure Centre Club of the Year (under 1000) Spirit Health Clubs Gloucester Club of the Year (1000-3000) Chartham Park Golf and Country Club Club of the Year (over 3000) Ribby Hall Village Sport and Leisure Educational Club of the Year-Universities Aberdeen Sports Village Educational Club of the Year-Schools Featherstone Sports Centre

Corporate Club of the Year WoodLand and Wellbeing Centre-Jaguar Land Rover Future of Flame Matt Briggs, Slimming World Spark of Innovation-Product GYMetrix Spark of Innovation-Programme NK Outreach Team, Leisure Connection Health Club Operator of the Year Spirit Health Clubs Leisure Centre Operator of the Year DC Leisure

SkillsActive seal of approval

As a REPs member you have already demonstrated your commitment to your professionalism, but how do you continue this throughout your entire career?

At SkillsActive Endorsement, we have seen many REPs members come forward with innovative styles of training, knowledge and new concepts that they would like to pass on for other trainers to learn and share with their clients.

If you have a great training idea or have developed your own training that you would like to pass on then we can really help. Not only does SkillsActive Endorsement give your training an industry seal of approval, it is also regulated by a code of practice which ensures high standards are maintained throughout the industry. Having your training endorsed by SkillsActive allows you to offer CPD points and showcase your training to the public through the SkillsActive Quality Training Portal.

SkillsActive Endorsement also is internationally recognised, so you will gain instant approval through the International Recognition Programme which includes New Zealand, South Africa, America and Dubai.

So why not call the SkillsActive Endorsement team today? We can give you all the advice you will need to endorse your training, whether that is support on how to meet the criteria or help with putting together a submission. For more information, please call 020 7632 2000.

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