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Fitness and Physical Activity (Personal Training) - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
Please note - This is the fitness route - view the coaching route.
This one year course provides a comprehensive introduction to the diverse career avenues that exist within the dynamic fitness industry, working with individuals and groups to improve health and wellbeing. Through this course, you will acquire the advanced skills which are essential to the success of a personal trainer's career. You will develop effective skills, knowledge, and behaviours to assist and make recommendations, for lifestyle changes which will help individuals and groups achieve their goals. These skills will be closely monitored and evaluated whilst on work placement. By successfully completing this course, you will be equipped with the confidence, skills, and expertise to excel in this exciting and challenging field, opening doors to a variety of employment opportunities within the fitness and leisure sector. Studying a CIMSPA course will allow you to achieve qualifications throughout the course. So, you can start employment within the industry early, opening doors into a variety of employment opportunities within the fitness and leisure sector.
What will I study?
- Personal trainer
- Anatomy and physiology
- Working with individuals
- Working with groups
- Working inclusively
- Spinning/indoor cycling.
Work placement
During the course you will also be required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of work placement in an area linked to your career aspirations.
- Entry requirements
This course is only available to 16-18 year olds.
- Four GCSEs at grade 3-9 including English Language and Maths and successful completion of a Level 2 fitness qualification (fitness instructing, gym instructing, etc)
OR
- Success completion of the Fitness and Physical Activity (Gym Instructor) - Level 2 course, plus GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4-9.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
- 01623 413639
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- Assessment
- Practical and task-based work
- Written portfolio work
- Observations
- Professional discussion.
- Progression
- Qualified Personal Trainer
- Higher Level Apprenticeships
- Skilled Employment.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- Diploma in Personal Training
- NCFE
- Additional costs
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Sport at WNC
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.