School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Full-Time Bede Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Develop your expertise in fitness and gain the practical skills needed to turn your passion for health into a rewarding career. This programme covers everything from the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology to designing and delivering tailored fitness programmes. With hands-on experience in both gym instructing and personal training, you'll learn how to support clients in achieving their goals, whether through individual coaching or group sessions.
The course provides a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring you're fully prepared to enter the fitness industry. Whether your future lies in a gym, health club, or starting your own business, this pathway equips you with the confidence and qualifications needed to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-evolving sector. You'll also gain essential skills in nutrition, exercise techniques, and business development, laying the foundation for a dynamic career in personal training and fitness coaching.

You will need 4 GCSE's at a grade 4- 9, including Maths and English. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

Teaching is a combination of practical, workshops and seminars.

Assessment is through a variety of methods including:

- Coursework
- Multiple choice examination
- Portfolio of evidence
- Practical demonstration

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

During the qualification learners will cover:

- Anatomy and physiology, functional kinesiology and concepts and components of fitness
- Nutrition for exercise, health and fitness
- Lifestyle and medical factors that affect wellbeing
- Analysis of client information using the most accepted techniques
- Assessment of a client’s current health and fitness status
- Planning and conducting of physical activity sessions, within a variety of environments using multiple resources
- Client consultations using the most accepted methods and providing strategies for successful behaviour change
- Communication skills to effectively build successful relationships with their clients and other health care professionals
- Legal and professional requirements for personal training
- How to set up and manage a personal training business on a self-employed basis
- How to manage, evaluate and improve own performance

What’s next?

Upon completing this qualification, students can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the fitness industry, including roles as a gym instructor, personal trainer, or fitness coach. Alternatively, many choose to start their own business or work freelance, offering personalised training services. With this qualification, you’ll have the flexibility to work in gyms, health clubs, or even within corporate wellness programmes.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus