TRaining PTi: More people choosing fitness careers


A new study carried out by training provider Premier Training International (PTI) has found that more people are opting to pursue a career within the fitness industry. Te sector has a total mar-


ket value of £3.81bn, according to the 2011 FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry study, and is increasingly seen to provide a “more dynamic” career path. PTI polled nearly 700 of its


recent graduates, with 78 per cent entering the industry as the result of a career change. More than 85 per cent expect to follow their new career for at least six years, while more than 60 per cent now operate a personal training business. PTI sales and marketing director Victoria Branch said: “Te recent survey figures are


Te fitness sector is proving an attractive career path for more people


fantastic and really encouraging in showing that it is PT graduates who are really shaping the future of the health and fitness industry.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=N2A3z


CYQ/Youth Sport Trust join forces


Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) has formed a strategic partnership with Youth Sport Trust as part of efforts to offer support to young people who have chosen a career in the active leisure sector. Te partnership has identi-


fied its goal as developing and providing information, advice and guidance for young peo- ple working in the industry and will also look to expand CYQ’s current work with schools across the UK. CYQ and the Youth Sport


Is 2012 set to be a summer of content?


Rhona Mennie is senior customer relationship manager at The Springboard Charity and Springboard UK


W


ork experience is the most important factor in deter- mining career choice. It comes before careers talks,


careers websites and – while social media may be grabbing the headlines – it is not a major influence in this particular decision- making process of young people. Great work experiences are planned, with


the buy-in of the team, communicated to all concerned in advance and delivered to show the best of the working environment. A buddy is appointed to keep an eye on the young person in what can be a daunting environment. So a buddy and a friendly- but-structured work placement can only help get the best out of the young visitor. Yet it is surprising how this may go out


the window when faced with the demands of a busy, customer–facing environment, where there may seem to be too little time to spend with the young person who will disappear aſter one or two weeks. However, that young person may disappear out of the industry for life. We may have lost a talent from an industry that is faced with skill shortages and increasing job vacancies. Te Springboard Summer School takes


Te new partnership is to assist young people working in active leisure


Trust have teamed up partly in response to the “severe cuts” faced by careers guidance services in schools and community settings which include the proposed closure of Connexions and the Next Steps service. According to trade union UNISON there are


concerns over the future for careers guidance with potential job losses in the sector.


Lori Randall, CYQ’s director of business


development said: “At CYQ we regard this as a strategic and highly important move in col- laborating more closely with schools and in supporting young people in the general area of health and wellbeing.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=y1F3Y


Active IQ unveils two new qualifications


Active IQ has announced the launch of two new active leisure qualifications, which are now available for delivery from training providers accredited by the awarding organisation. Te courses are the Level 1 NVQ award in Sport and Active Leisure (QCF) and the Level 2


© CYBERTREK 2012


NVQ Certificate in Sales (QCF), which expand Active IQ’s range of qualifications on offer. Active IQ’s Suzy Gunn said: “It is about giv-


ing learners the opportunity to develop the skills they need to forge successful careers.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=b7q4r


Twitter: @leisureopps


advantage of the ‘try before you buy’ phi- losophy as it brings school, college and – this year through Inside Track – univer- sity leavers, together with employers in a two–week work experience opportunity. It aims to give students an insight into the industry and helps kick start their careers. A recruitment day, held in late May/early June, sources the successful applicants who benefit from a week of practical training from Springboard prior to the placement. Utilising the INSPIRE guidelines for


the delivery of quality work experience, employers can create a motivational expe- rience that will literally inspire young people. This year, Summer School and Inside Track will take place in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow – even more opportunities to get involved in developing that talent pipeline.


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 17


image: kzenon/shutterstock.com


IMAGE: MAT HAYWARD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


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