Active IQ unveils physical activity diploma
A new path for school leavers to enter the leisure industry has been developed after Active IQ launched a Level 3 Diploma in Physical Activity, Fitness and Exercise Science.
The vocational programme is a course to prepare those opting against A Levels but who want to work in the leisure and fitness sector.
Active IQ, an awarding organisation for the active leisure, learning and wellbeing industry, said that with healthcare issues such as obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity, as well as an ageing population challenging the nation’s health, the sector has scope to grow as a profession.
The diploma provides the equivalent of £7,500 worth of technical certificates and students can gain qualifications in the areas of fitness instructor, customer service, personal training, circuits, kettlebells, group exercise, exercise to music, aqua, leisure operations, exercise for children and adolescents, sport and performance nutrition.
During the course, students will be required to complete work experience, interview days or special Q&A sessions. Local employers’ specific needs are taken into account by the colleges who can then train the students to fulfil demand.
Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director, said: “A Levels aren’t for everyone but vocational training away from a classroom setting isn’t always successful for school leavers who at the age of 16 and 17 will still benefit from the college setting with tutor and group support. Our new college-based tech level diploma gives the best of both worlds by providing professional training and qualifications in a classroom setting. There is definitely a need for truly vocational qualifications delivered in this way to this age group and we’re pleased to be leading the way in our industry.”
The two-year diploma was recognised by the Department for Education in January and qualifies for funding. The qualification carries UCAS points, enabling students to keep their options open and progress into work or go to university at the end of the course.
There are mandatory and optional units in both years, with the options allowing students to choose different paths according to their interest and ability, such as group exercise, leisure operations, health and wellbeing, higher education or management.
Assessments will be available ‘on demand’ giving the college flexibility to assess learners at the best time. Therefore, if learners are ready earlier, they can get assessments out of the way and focus on other aspects of the course; conversely, more time can be allowed for slower learners.
A total of 37 colleges across the UK have been approved to deliver the course from September. The first year qualifies students to Level 2 meaning they could work as a gym instructor. The second year qualifies students to Level 3 meaning they could work as a personal trainer, among other roles in the leisure sector.
On completion of the course, students gain access to the REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals)/CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) professional registers.
Patrickson said the diploma will benefit students, colleges and employers. Adding: “Students gain because they are able to study for a professional qualification at no cost and with complete support from their tutor and peer group, plus valuable work experience with local employers. Colleges gain because they can offer something truly vocational and valuable that will prepare their students for the world of work or additional study at university. And employers gain by seeing a fresh pool of talent with skills and training that have been adapted to suit their exact needs.”
Active IQ teaching college learning studyDrop in leisure qualifications impacted by funding cuts
Active IQ unveils new outdoor fitness qualification
Premier Global shake-up sees Patrickson named new MD of Active IQ
We need to avoid a skills bun fight, warns Active IQ chief Jenny Patrickson
Active IQ event explores the future of training
Active IQ aims to upskill college students with two-year exercise course
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
