GYM FITNESS INSTRUCTING AND PERSONAL TRAINING Level 3 Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
The Qualification Hub

Overview

The Fitness Instructing and Personal Training Level 3 Diploma is designed to provide learners with the in-depth industry knowledge and experience required to work as a personal trainer in the fitness industry. It requires learners to train to a professionally competent level, enabling them to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes developing their skills and knowledge to pursue a career in personal training.

Throughout the diploma, participants will delve into various aspects of fitness training, including anatomy and physiology, exercise programming, nutrition principles, business acumen, client motivation, and communication skills. They will develop a thorough understanding of human movement, exercise techniques, and the principles of designing safe and effective training programmes. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply their learning through hands-on practical sessions and real-life client interactions. Successful completion of the course will provide access onto The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Some experience of gym-based exercises, including free weights is highly recommended. This course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary to undergo practical classes and assessments throughout the course.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in English Language and Mathematics will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy respectfully. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules include:

Principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness
Professionalism and customer care for fitness instructors
Health and safety in the fitness environment
Conducting client consultations to support positive behaviour change
Planning and instructing gym-based exercise
Applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health and fitness
The principles of nutrition and their application to exercise and health
Understanding lifestyle, health, wellbeing and common medical conditions
Encouraging positive health and fitness behaviours in clients
Programme design and delivery for personal training
Professionalism and business acumen for personal trainers

Assessment is completed through written assignments, projects, multiple choice questioning and portfolio of evidence as well as a number of practical assessments, some of which require a good general level of health and fitness and an ability to work with clients in realistic simulations. All evidence will be recorded via an online portfolio.

Students will be required to purchase and wear a practical sports kit for this course.

Successful students may undertake further fitness related qualifications in specialisms such as Instructing Kettlebells, Circuit Training or Studio Cycling (Spin). Alternatively they may progress to related areas like Sports Massage, where they will be provided with the knowledge and skills to practice sports massage alongside personal training in the health club environment or own business.

Upon successful completion of the Gym Instructing and Personal Training Level 3 Diploma, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career as a qualified gym instructor or personal trainer. Graduates may find employment opportunities in: