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Welcome to HFE Apprenticeships Our apprenticeships are successful because they seamlessly integrate quality training with real jobs. Graduates of our apprenticeship programme are among the best exercise professionals in the business because they receive only the highest level of training, assessment, support and guidance from start to end.
Welcome to HFE Contents
Health and Fitness
1 Welcome to HFE
Education
2 Introduction to Apprenticeships 3
Benefits of Apprenticeships
4 Unlimited Opportunities 5 The HFE Way... 6 Exercise and Fitness 7 Activity Leadership 8 Fitness/Personal Trainer 9 Frequently Asked Questions
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your decision to join the active leisure industry and thank you considering Health and Fitness Education (HFE) as your training provider. We understand how important the decisions that you are faced with are, which is why our team will do whatever it takes to ensure that you have all of the information, advice and guidance you need to make the right decisions for you. Clearly you have a passion for exercise, sport and/or leisure, so you are already well placed to turn your enthusiasm into an exciting and rewarding career. Never before has participation in exercise, sport and/or physical activity been so important for ensuring that the UK population remains fit and healthy. With soaring levels of inactivity and the prevalence of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and lower back pain, today’s exercise or physical activity professional must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to help to reverse these trends. There is a great opportunity to make a real difference! We hope that you will find within this brochure all that you need to know about our apprenticeship programmes and whether or not these meet your needs. If however you do have any further questions, please do feel free to call our Apprenticeship team who will be more than happy to assist you. “ We seek to raise the standard of fitness professionals throughout the UK by enriching each learner with knowledge, skills and confidence in their abilities. By making our education programmes more accessible, inclusive and affordable, we will be able to reach areas of the sector untouched by other providers”.
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Introduction to Apprenticeships
// There are typically 3 levels of apprenticeship: Intermediate - equivalent to GCSE level Advanced - equivalent to A-level
Work, earn, learn
// What are apprenticeships?
Higher - equivalent to HND/degree level
new skills and
Apprenticeships are essentially jobs that are accompanied with a skills development programme. These skills are jointly delivered by an employer and a training provider (HFE, local college, or both) to ensure that your individual needs as a student are being met.
According to the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), in the UK there are over 150,000 employers offering apprenticeships across more than 200,000 sites. These apprenticeships are delivered in more than 170 industries and span more than 1500 job roles. The active leisure sector alone has 13 different Apprenticeship Frameworks.
get nationally recognised qualifications.
As an apprentice, you’ll develop the experience of working, learning new skills and getting recognised qualifications at the same time. Apprenticeships allow you to gain the essential knowledge, skills and experience to complete your job competently and confidently. Your apprenticeship programme will take anywhere between 1 and 3 years to complete depending on the level at which it is being delivered and your specific circumstances.
When you start your apprenticeship, your employer is obliged to provide you with an Apprenticeship Agreement which outlines the specific requirements of your apprenticeship programme and when it is expected to start and end. Because you will effectively also be an employee, you will also have a contract of employment, like other employees within the business.
Apprenticeships are normally delivered through a blend of workplace learning, off the job training and real life work experience.
83% 83% will stay in employment after finishing their apprentiships. Evalutation of Apprentiships for Learners, BIS, May 2012
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Benefits of Apprenticeships Many employers are reluctant to take on inexperienced candidates even though they have the required qualifications.
Apprenticeships provide an exciting and rewarding way to gain industry recognised qualifications and essential on the job work experience. Many employers are reluctant to take on inexperienced candidates even though they have all of the required qualifications. This is a challenge that hundreds of thousands of University graduates face each year, which is why there are so many graduates now unemployed. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa), 1 in every 10 graduates are unemployed. Additionally, the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2013) confirms that nearly half of all employed graduates are performing nongraduate roles.
With escalating university tuition fees and the increasing costs associated with living away from home, more and more people are turning to apprenticeships to prepare themselves for work.
// Benefits of Apprenticeships 1
Industry recognised qualifications
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Get paid while you learn
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No tuition fees
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Invaluable work experience
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Structured on the job training
6 Extensive support from your employer and training provider 7 Develop transferable functional skills in maths and English
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa), due to a lack of work experience, 1 in every 10 graduates are unemployed...
..and nearly half of all employed graduates are performing non-graduate roles.
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Unlimited Opportunities A vibrant and
// Active Leisure Sector
growing industry
The Active Leisure sector, of which the health and fitness industry is part of, is a rapidly growing marketplace that has outperformed the rest of the UK economy at a rate of 2:1, and is beating the average UK employment figures at a rate of 4:1 (Skills Active AACS LMI factsheet 2010).
that contributes a great deal to the UK economy.
// The Health and Fitness Industry According to the Leisure Database Company, there are an estimated 8.3 million people in the UK that are members of a health and fitness facility, which equates to around 13% of the population.
UK Market Sector Growth Chart 2010
UK health and fitness industry All other UK industries combined
UK Market Sector Employment Uptake 2010
UK health and fitness industry
The industry has a market value of £4.08 billion and comprises of 6,112 sites offering health and fitness services to exercise and fitness enthusiasts.
// More than a Job... All other UK industries combined The active leisure and learning sector is a vibrant and growing industry that contributes a great deal to the UK economy, both financially and through the provision of employment opportunities. In 2008 the active leisure and learning sector contributed £8.7 billion to the national economy, accounting for almost 1% of the economy as a whole (Skills Active AACS LMI factsheet). The Active Leisure sector directly employs 674,100 people (approx 1% of the UK) and has a substantial and healthy volunteer and self employed portion.
The health of the nation is a growing concern because levels of obesity, diabetes, lower back pain and other diseases associated with inactivity are at near epidemic levels in the UK. With many GPs now prescribing exercise as ‘the drug of choice’ to patients, the role of an exercise professional has never been more important in supporting the Government’s health improvement strategies. Qualifications like the Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral are specifically designed to prepare fitness instructors and personal trainers to work with GPs and nurses, tackling loal and national health priorities.
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The HFE Way... Our tutors are highly qualified and experienced exercise professionals, many of whom are still actively teaching within the profession.
HFE is a specialist fitness and leisure industry training provider that delivers vocational qualifications specifically targeted at promoting health, fitness and physical activity. Because our provision focuses only on this sector, you can rest assured that the content of our courses and qualifications are up to date, and in-line with the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.
// As an apprentice with HFE, you will receive the following:
All HFE tutors, trainers and assessors are highly qualified and experienced exercise professionals, many of whom are also still actively teaching within the profession.
Audiobooks of training manuals so you can
In addition to providing support and guidance about your qualifications, our tutors and assessors will also be able to provide impartial information, advice and guidance about suitable career progression opportunities. Our team are committed to your long-term development.
Regular workplace visits by your tutor or
We provide all of the teaching, learning and assessment materials that you will need to complete your studies. Our materials and support systems are second to none, and are specifically designed with your success in mind.
Ongoing careers advice/counselling
Full colour training manuals for all of your
training courses Your own online learning account Interactive e-learning materials
listen to your course on the go Extensive online mock exams/tests
assessor A minimum of 15 days off the job training Print and electronic resources for all
assessments
Training on business and marketing Unlimited tutor support Free theory and practical re-assessments Free ‘added value’ qualifications, giving you
more knowledge and skills than any other apprenticeship provider - refer to the different pathway pages for more information on these qualifications.
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Exercise and Fitness Intermediate Level
The Intermediate Apprenticeship in Exercise and Fitness is primarily designed for individuals that are keen to embark on a career as a fitness instructor, and/or who would at a later stage like to become a personal trainer. As a fitness instructor, you will most likely be employed by a health club, leisure centre, dance studio or gymnasium, although many schools and colleges now employ fitness instructors also. Your duties will be varied, and to some extent will depend on the nature of the facility you are employed in and the specific apprenticeship pathway that you have selected (gym, instructor, exercise to music teacher etc).
// These duties will likely include:
// Apprenticeship Content: Taking approximately 12 months to complete, this apprenticeship programme consists of the mandatory qualifications below. In addition to these, we may also be able to provide free of charge one of the ‘added value’ qualification to further improve your future career prospects.
// Mandatory Qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction
(Gym Instructor or Exercise to Music Teacher) NVQ Level 2 Instructing Exercises and
Fitness Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness Functional skills in English (if required)*
Delivering gym inductions Functional skills in Maths (if required)* Teaching exercise classes *N ot required if GCSE maths and English (grade A-C) have
Performing basic fitness assessments D esigning personalised exercise
been achieved within 5 years.
// Added Value Qualifications:
programmes Level 2 Certificate in Circuit Training Ensuring high levels of customer service Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition for a Healthy P erforming cleaning and maintenance
Lifestyle
duties Level 2 Award in Group Indoor Cycling Supervising the gym floor.
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Activity Leadership Intermediate Level
The Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Activity Leadership is a broad and flexible apprenticeship programme that is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a fitness leader/instructor, leisure operative/ attendant, or a sports coach. If you are passionate about leisure, fitness and sport, and you enjoy working with young people, it’s likely that this apprenticeship programme will be suitable for you.
// Apprenticeship Content: This apprenticeship will take approximately 12 months to complete, and will include the mandatory qualifications below. For those students undertaking the Exercise and Fitness pathway, we may also be able to further fund one of the ‘added value’ programmes listed below at no extra charge:
// Mandatory Qualifications:
As an entry-level qualification to the active leisure sector, this programme has a number of progression opportunities, including personal trainer, leisure management and sports development.
NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Activity
// This apprenticeship programme has 3 different pathways:
Functional skills in English (if required)*
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
*N ot required if GCSE maths and English (grade A-C) have
(exercise and fitness pathway) Level 2 Certificate in Introductory Work in
Leadership Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in
Active Leisure and Learning
Functional skills in Maths (if required)*
been achieved within 5 years.
// Added Value Qualifications:
the Outdoors (outdoor pathway) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Level 2 Certificate in Coaching in a Chosen
(NPLQ)
Sport (coaching pathway)* Level 2 Certificate in Circuit Training
*Subject to eligibility of the leaner Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition for a Healthy
Lifestyle Level 2 Award in Group Indoor Cycling.
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Personal Training Advanced Level
The Advanced Level Apprenticeship // Mandatory Qualifications: programme contains a number of specialised units and qualifications that are specifically Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training designed to prepare you to become a personal trainer. Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training Personal training can be rewarding financially and fulfilling personally. Once qualified, you will have the option of remaining in employment, as is required for this apprenticeship, or becoming your own boss and starting your own business. Our apprenticeship packages will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to do both!
Level 3 Award in Employment Awareness Functional skills in English (if required)* Functional skills in Maths (if required)*
*N ot required if GCSE maths and English (grade A-C) have been achieved within 5 years.
Personal trainers are required to plan individual and group training programmes that allow their customers to achieve their health, fitness and wellbeing goals. They also provide essential information and advice on diet, physical activity, and other health and lifestyle-related matters. Due to the advanced nature of this apprenticeship, we recommend that all students considering this route should have previously completed an Intermediate level apprenticeship programme in exercise and fitness, or a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction (gym instructor).
// Apprenticeship Content:
// Optional Qualifications: Level 2 Award in Group Indoor Cycling Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral Level 3 Award in Business and Marketing Level 3 Award in Adapting Exercise for the
Independently Older Adult Level 3 Award in Adapting Exercise for
Ante and Postnatal clients
Taking approximately 18 months to complete, this apprenticeship programme consists of the mandatory qualifications opposite. In addition, and exclusive to HFE’s apprenticeship programme, you may also be able to undertake up to two of the following ‘added value’ qualifications completely free of charge.
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Frequently Asked Questions // Will Apprenticeships last?
// Can I still go to university?
The apprenticeship programme is already incredibly successful and provides proven and extensive benefits to both employers and apprentices. All of the 3 major political parties have each pledged their support of the apprenticeship programme, with an estimated £1 billion to be made available to create an additional 3 million new apprenticeships. There can be little doubt in anyone’s mind that apprenticeships are here to stay!
Many apprentices can still go to university after completing their apprenticeship, or progress on to a higher level of apprenticeship programme.
// What opportunities are available to apprentices? The opportunities available to apprentices in the active leisure sector are literally endless. The specific opportunities open to anyone who has completed an apprenticeship will vary from one situation to the next, depending on the employer, the level, pathway and the specific type of apprenticeship completed. The government has pledged to create approximately 3 million new apprenticeships in the coming years. Given that 85% of apprentices will remain in employment once their training is complete, and that 64% of these will remain with the same employer, the future employment prospects for apprentices are extremely positive and bright. It is also worth noting here that according to the National Apprenticeship Service, 32% of apprentices receive a promotion within 12 months of completing their apprenticeship.
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// Can I complete an apprenticeship as a volunteer? Unfortunately not. All apprentices must be paid employees and undertake a minimum of 30 hours of work each week for the duration of their programme.
// Can you find me a work placement? If you are serious about completing an apprenticeship, our apprenticeship team will do everything that they can to find you a local vacancy. Employers will however always favor contact from those looking for an apprenticeship and so your chances would be greatly increased if you are able to make contact with qualifying employers also.
// Do I have to pay for an apprenticeship? Absolutely not! Apprenticeships are publically funded and as such we will be able to take care of the financial matters for you. Funding rates do vary throughout the country, and depend also on your age; the amount of funding that we can secure will therefore vary from one case to the next, which is why some of the ‘added value’ qualifications may not always be available.
// What is an NVQ? National Vocational Qualifications, or NVQs, are essentially qualifications that that are completed in the workplace, and which demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills to be able to do that job competently. All apprenticeship programmes have a core NVQ programme that specifically relates to the apprentice’s role.
// Will I need to go to college? No. Our apprenticeship programmes are delivered largely in the workplace, or at one of our regional training centres and so there is no need to go back to school or college.
// Do I have to do maths and English? This will depend on whether you already have an appropriate qualification in maths or English, and when you completed this qualification. If you have achieved a GCSE (or above) in maths and English (grade A-C) within the past 5 years then you will not need to take the Functional Skills qualifications. If however you do not have these qualifications, it is a mandatory part of the apprenticeship programme that these qualifications are completed and achieved. You will not be able to get your apprenticeship qualification without them.
// Is there an age limit? Yes. Apprenticeships are normally only available for students aged between 16-24, although a small amount of dunding may be available for those over the age of 24. For those students that are 24 and over, the government has a 24+ Advanced Learner Loan system that effectively enables students to borrow the money from the government to pay for their training and then repay the loan when they are earning enough to do so.
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Should you require more information about any of our apprenticeship opportunities, please feel free to get in touch: info@hfe.co.uk // apprenticeships@hfe.co.uk