The Fitness Group has partnered with Shaw Trust, the UK’s largest Not-for-Profit (NFP) social enterprise in the employment sector, to support a client named Jake who joined their Intensive Personalised Employment Support Programme (IPES).

JAKE’S STORY

Jake was keen to move back into employment after being in and out of work due to mental health challenges. He found that a way for him to positively impact his mental health and keep focused, was regularly exercising at the gym. This became a passion for Jake and he decided to make personal training his long-term career goal.

Jake explained: “Right from the start, I felt listened to for the first time in a very long time. I felt supported and saw there was a different path that I didn’t believe could be possible for me. The support from Alison and Jaime has been over and above anything I imagined when joining IPES and I am excited about my future for the first time.”

WHAT IS IPES?

IPES is a voluntary programme that supports people with disabilities and complex barriers into work. IPES offers a holistic approach focusing on more than just getting a job. It looks at areas affecting clients including their ability to work, their family, financial or personal circumstances.

The IPES team saw Jake’s challenges as a strength and helped him create an action plan based on his work history and passion for fitness. This started with looking into how he could become a self-employed Personal Trainer. The first step was to gain the Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and, once he achieved this, he could move onto the next step of gaining qualifications as a Personal Trainer.

LEVEL 2 GYM INSTRUCTING

By partnering with The Fitness Group, Jake has been able to access accredited gym instructing and personal training courses from the UK’s leading training provider. We help thousands of students on their journey to starting their dream careers in the fitness industry.

The Level 2 Gym Instructor course is the starting point for fitness professionals and provides a pathway to Level 3 Personal Training courses and beyond. The method and mode of study is flexible around the individual to support different circumstances and students receive support from dedicated tutors throughout their learning journey.

Gaining this qualification enables learners to work in a gym or local Leisure Centre and undertake activities on the gym floor as well as work at the gym reception and run some group exercise classes.

OPENING UP OPPORTUNITIES

Shaw Trust Key Worker Alison Reeves and Employer Engagement Consultant Jaime Norries have encouraged Jake to be confident in his abilities of becoming a Personal Trainer:

“Jake is an inspiring individual, who had not been with us on IPES for very long but was so keen to get moving and make positive changes. We identified this need and doubled up on our efforts by giving Jake extra weekly appointments so things could move along at the speed Jake required from us. It became apparent very quickly that Jake is a passionate individual and he needed to channel that passion into a career. IPES continues to support Jake while he completes his studies and encourages him to be confident in his abilities of becoming a Personal Trainer.”  

Shaw Trust were able to support with the cost of the course with The Fitness Group, and Jake is now on his way to a brighter future, doing something he is passionate about.

Scott Agnew, Director at The Fitness Group commented: 

“We’re delighted to work alongside Shaw Trust. From our first point of contact, I could tell how passionate they were about what they do to support overcoming barriers to work on a very personal level with their clients. We’re proud to provide valuable qualifications that will open up great opportunities and look forward to supporting Jake through his learning journey.”

FEELING INSPIRED?

Personal training is one of the most rewarding careers available. You not only help your clients physically improve, but you build a close relationship with them and become invested in their mental and physical well-being. Seeing the improvements in your clients as they get fit and healthy after taking your advice is a feeling that never gets old.

If you’d like to get involved after reading Jake’s story, maybe it’s time to consider becoming a Personal Trainer. Find out more about our personal training courses and CPDs such as our Level 3 Pre and Post Natal Qualification, and get in touch with the friendly team at The Fitness Group today. We won’t just help you become a Personal Trainer; we’ll make sure you become the best Personal Trainer you can be.

From our rock-solid money-back guarantee to the wealth of support you get throughout your course and beyond, maybe it’s time you took your next career step, fully supported by the experts. Contact the team today, and start taking those first steps towards an exciting new future.