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.”