Personal trainer apprenticeship standard approved for delivery
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) have welcomed the news that the personal trainer apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
The apprenticeship standard has been developed by the sport and physical activity sector’s Professional Development Board – an alliance of employers, education bodies and experts – with operational support from CIMSPA. The green light means that employers can now access up to £4000 in funding for each apprentice personal trainer, either directly or against their levy payments.
This new apprenticeship is an important milestone in raising the status of personal trainers and for many this will provide a career gateway with strong foundations for future professional development.
Employers now have a funded route both to improve the skill set of staff members in the workplace and to attract new talent. The apprenticeship involves a longer qualification period – around 15 months – during which time the team member can keep working and hone their skills. The apprenticeship model also ensures that staff are trained in line with employers’ vision, values, practices and procedures.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said: “I’m thrilled this new, high-quality personal trainer apprenticeship has been approved. These apprentices will learn skills to get into a great career and help people towards their health and fitness goals, and get people more active.”
Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships Sir Gerry Berragan said: “Employers and key sector specialists have together developed a personal trainer apprenticeship that will meet employers’ needs and turn out professional trainers of the highest quality. It is great news for people hoping to progress within the fitness industry, and for the many who will benefit from the development of skilled support to meet their health and fitness needs.”
Richard Millard, partnership director at Places Leisure and chair of the Professional Development Board, also welcomed the announcement: “I’d like to thank the many employers and sector experts who have given their time and expertise to this shared endeavour over the last two and a half years.
“Personal trainers who complete this apprenticeship route will be amongst the best qualified in the sector and will have completed a robust, real-world assessment process which accurately reflects the challenges and employer needs of the role.”
The Professional Development Board, which acts as the sport and physical activity sector’s apprenticeship trailblazer, includes representatives from the following organisations:
Places Leisure; GLL; Everyone Active; Virgin Active; Nuffield Health; Fit for Sport; Fusion Lifestyle; David Lloyd Leisure; Watford Borough Council; Jubilee Hall Trust; [EN]GAGE Fitness; The Football Association; Lawn Tennis Association; British Gymnastics; Swim England; Swim England Qualifications; The Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport; Sport England; ukactive; UK Coaching; Public Health England; Association of Colleges; Association of Employment and Learning Providers; Federation of Awarding Bodies.
The full documentation for the personal trainer apprentice standard can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships website here:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/personal-trainer/