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Where will this course lead?

Our National Extended Certificate/National Diploma caters for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. The programme is endorsed by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) and provides the qualifications required for direct employment entry in the health and fitness sector.

Throughout the course you will learn various aspects of health and fitness including, anatomy and physiology; health and well-being; career development; communication skills and the skills required to effectively plan and deliver fitness and personal training sessions.

What will I study?

The National Extended Certificate is the first year of the programme, consisting of 3 units:

1. Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry:

· The organisation of the Sports industry.

· Investigate careers in the Sports industry.

· The recruitment process.

· Reflection and personal development towards a career in the Sports industry.

2. Health, Well-being and Sport:

· The importance of physical activity and sport.

· The importance of physical health.

· Mental health and social well-being.

· Undertake health and wellbeing screening processes.

3. Fitness Skills Development:

· The body systems and their response to exercise.

· Client assessment methods and lifestyle improvement strategies.

· Exercising safely in an exercise environment.

· Exercise requirements and contraindications for specific populations.

· Plan and instruct clients in gym inductions and exercise sessions.


The National Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training is the second year of the programme, consisting of 4 units:

1. Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity:

· Explore self-employment in the Sport and Fitness industry.

· Design a strategy for self-employment in the Sport and Fitness industry.

· Present and Review your strategy for self-employment.

2. Nutrition for Physical Performance:

· Concepts of nutrition, hydration, diet and digestion.

· Energy intake and expenditure in Sport and Physical Activity.

· Investigate legislation, guidance and procedures associated with anti-doping.

· Produce a diet and hydration plan to support Sport and Physical Activity.

3. Personal Trainer Skills Development:

· Explore Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics for Personal Training.

· Client health and well-being for planning Personal Training programmes.

· Personal Training methods and programming.

· Plan, deliver and review Personal Training sessions.

4. Business and Technology in Personal Training:

· Business Skills for Personal Training.

· Explore the use of technology in Personal Training.

· Explore legislation and business procedures for Personal Training.

How will this course be delivered?

This course is mainly classroom based, developing the knowledge required to understand the key principles of health, physical activity and exercise. You will also undertake a number of practical based sessions to explore health screening techniques, and to develop your knowledge and understanding of fitness related equipment.

What qualifications will I get?

1st Year - BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport and Fitness.

2nd Year - BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed via coursework (e.g. written reports, formal presentations, poster design and presentations), along with several practical-based assessments in which you will demonstrate your competence in instructing clients in the health and fitness environment.

How do I get a place on the course?

You need to attend an Information Evening where all questions can be answered and places are offered by a successful interview. Interviews can be booked at the Information Evening.

What are the entry requirements?

4 GCSE grades at C/4 or above including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

You will be expected to have an active interest in the health and fitness environment via your own exercise training programme.

What else do I need to know?

You will need to purchase course materials (£10) and the Solihull College uniform (TBC). You will be required to have an up to date DBS check in order to secure work experience in a health and fitness environment. In addition to completing your BTEC course, you will also be developing employability skills that are valued and recognised by employers.

Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes. If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a Level 2 Functional Skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too. Solihull College and University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

If you are successful on this course, you will be able to apply for employment in the health and fitness industry, typically as a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. You may also want to consider continuing your studies towards a higher education qualification such as a Higher National Diploma or a sport related degree either at a College or University. These BTEC qualifications attract UCAS points which can be used for application to Higher Education.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

SPACC081BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Further Education Teacher

Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.

What’s Involved?

Further Education Teachers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.

Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors deliver training in a range of fitness activities, including weight training, yoga, pilates, personal training and other forms of exercise at private health and fitness centres, local authority run sports and leisure centres, other public and community establishments, and in private homes.

What’s Involved?

Fitness Instructors assess the fitness levels of clients. They devise programmes of training appropriate to the needs of clients with varying levels of strength, fitness and ability. They also demonstrate and lead fitness activities and supervises exercise classes. Fitness Instructors ensure that clients do not injure themselves through over exertion or using incorrect training techniques. They plan and monitor personal fitness schedules. They also understand the health and safety aspects of different forms of exercise and ensures that any statutory requirements are met.

Leisure Centre Manager

Leisure and sports managers organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources required for the provision of sporting, artistic, theatrical and other recreational and amenity services.

What’s Involved?

Leisure Centre Manager's organise timetables of activities/schedules of programmes. They ensure that facilities are kept clean and in good condition and that appropriate health and safety requirements are adhered to. They also keep abreast of new trends and developments in recreational activities and arrange exhibitions, theatrical productions, concerts, demonstrations etc. They advise on the facilities available and promote publicity in relation to shows, games, races, new theme parks, etc. They also determine financial, staffing, material and other short- and long-term needs. They recruit, supervise and train staff. They ensure custody of all cash receipts and organise regular stock checks.

Sports Coach

Sports coaches, instructors and officials work with amateur and professional sportsmen and women to enhance performance, encourage greater participation in sport, supervise recreational activities such as canoeing and mountaineering, and organise and officiate at sporting events according to established rules.

What’s Involved?

Sports Coaches coach teams or individuals by demonstrating techniques and directing training and exercise sessions. They control team selection and discipline and recruit ancillary staff such as coaches or physiotherapists. They also monitor and analyse technique and performance, and determine how future improvements can be made. They deal with administrative aspects such as arranging matches, contests or appearances for athlete or team, and organise required transport and accommodation. They also provide information and develop facilities to encourage greater participation in sport, and to enhance the standards of participants. They understand health and safety aspects of various activities and ensures any statutory requirements are met. They inspect and maintain specialised clothing and equipment. They also manage the playing areas and competitors, starts race, competition or match and controls its progress according to established rules.

Sports Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists plan and apply massage, promote and encourage movement and exercise, use hydrotherapy, electro-therapy and other technological equipment in the treatment of a wide range of injuries, diseases and disabilities in order to assist rehabilitation by developing and restoring body systems.

What’s Involved?

Sports Physiotherapists examine medical reports and assess patients to determine the condition of muscles, nerves or joints in need of treatment. They write up patients' case notes and reports, maintain their records and manage caseload. They also plan and undertake therapy to improve circulation, restore joint mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce pain. They explain treatment to and instruct patient in posture and other exercises and adapt treatment as necessary. They also offer advice and education on how to avoid injury and promote patient's future health and well-being. They supervise physiotherapy assistants. They also monitor patient's progress and liaise with others concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of patient, and refers patients requiring other specific medical attention.

Higher Education Teacher

Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.

What’s Involved?

prepares, delivers and directs lectures, seminars and tutorials; prepares, administers and marks examinations, essays and other assignments; advises students on academic matters and encourages independent research; provides pastoral care or guidance to students; participates in decision making processes regarding curricula, budgetary, departmental and other matters; directs the work of postgraduate students; undertakes research, writes articles and books and attends conferences and other meetings.

Sports & Leisure Assistant

Sports and leisure assistants, provide and maintain facilities for sporting and recreational activities and supervise their use, maintain the continuity of entertainment and social events, offer odds and accept bets on the result of sporting and other events and control gambling activities.

What’s Involved?

Sports and Leisure Assistants maintain sports and leisure equipment and prepare equipment for use. They supervise the use of swimming pools, gymnasium apparatus, fitness machines and other recreational equipment. They also maintain hygienic operation of swimming pools and associated facilities such as jacuzzis, showers and changing areas. They carry clubs for golfers, advises on the layout and distance of golf courses and appropriate choice of golf club. They also announce acts, make introductions, propose toasts and maintain the continuity of entertainment events and social functions. They assess likely outcome of an event and establish odds, accept and record bets, issue receipts and pay out on winning bets. They control the progress of games of cards, roulette and other gambling activities according to established rules.

Sport Psychologist

Sport Psychologists work with athletes, teams and coaches to improve their motivation and performance.

What’s Involved?

Sport Psychologists help athletes develop strategies to deal with nerves, anxiety, self-confidence, concentration and motivation, set up activities to improve team and individual performance, support athletes in coping with injuries, give advice to coaches on team communication and assess clients' needs and develop fitness plans and recommendations.

Sports Therapist

Sports therapists use a range of techniques to make sure people involved in sport and exercise are training and competing safely. They provide an immediate response when sport and exercise-related injuries occur and will rehabilitate the patient back to full fitness. They also provide advice and support to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

What’s Involved?

Sports Therapists conduct a fitness level assessment on people involved in sport and exercise and advise on exercises prior to an event or fixture, test joints for ease and range of movement, pain and dysfunction, mentally and physically prepare sports people before a competition and use strapping, taping and massage techniques where necessary, provide emergency aid in a sport and exercise environment, examine and assess injuries and determine whether the participant can continue safely with the event or activity, treat and mobilise injuries to alleviate pain, rehabilitate injuries by using manual therapy techniques (such as massage), apparatus and electrotherapy, design and monitor rehabilitation programmes appropriate to the injury and/or sport and level.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.