Industry body CIMSPA, which represents workers across the physical activity sector, has created an online platform to support training and career development.

The Training Academy for Sport and Physical Activity Progression, which launched this week (2 July), signposts employees to quality-assured training providers specific to their needs.

The launch of a National Training Academy was one of the promises set out in CIMSPA’s 2024-2030 strategy, published in February, and aims to elevate both the skills and status of exercise professionals.

Natasha Eason, associate director at CIMSPA says this development is the result of consultation with the industry, following requests for a one-stop-shop that enables professionals to access the best quality training and development. “There are an overwhelming amount of education and training opportunities available to professionals looking to develop their skillset, so it’s vital that both individuals and their employers are able to easily access relevant and quality-assured training to enhance their careers and support their clients,” she says.

CIMSPA’s work with employers at a local and regional level identified a range of skills shortages which is impacting the engagement of key participation groups in sport and physical activity and hampering the growth of the sector. The current education supply and demand is imbalanced in the physical activity sector: some areas have an oversupply and others are limited.

The Training Academy connects people with a range of learning, development and qualification opportunities across the country and online, delivered by leading training and education providers. All of the courses available through the Training Academy are delivered by providers that have achieved three-star quality assurance status – CIMSPA’s highest rating for training and education provision.

Employers will be able to work with the Training Academy to create bespoke provision and collaborate with other organisations that have similar training needs via the CIMSPA partner network, which will reduce costs.

In its recently launched Agenda for Action, CIMSPA asked the new government to formally embed the sector within health policy planning, as well as supporting flexible skills development and the implementation of a workforce registration scheme.

Find out more here.