The Gym Group has launched an academy offering a PT qualification in as little as eight weeks.

Now available at all 240 gyms across the UK, The Gym Group Academy is working with CIMSPA accredited training providers to deliver Level 2 and Level 3 PT qualifications. There are ambitions to get 500 people through the programme by 2027 and graduates will have the opportunity for permanent employment with the operator.

The programme includes units on health and wellbeing, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and applying nutritional principles. It has been designed to fit around a busy lifestyle and includes a mix of online learning, face-to-face support from trained in-house PT mentors and in-person assessments.

A self-funded course, the aim of this initiative is to help people to turn their passion for fitness into a career and provide hands on, expert support in gyms, as well as opening up employment opportunities within The Gym Group.

Ruth Jackson, chief people officer at The Gym Group, says: “It’s our founding mission to break down barriers to fitness for all and The Gym Group Academy is another way we can support breaking down barriers – this time to careers in fitness. We're incredibly excited to offer this opportunity to both members and non-members, to turn their fitness passion into a career, with a level of personalised in-gym training and support that isn’t available elsewhere.”

There are no specific application requirements and the course costs between £1,200 to £2,200 depending on what support package is chosen.

The new academy is separate to The Gym Group's Accelerate PT programme, which is delivered in partnership with the Department for Work & Pensions with the aim of giving people the opportunity to get their Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, welcoming applications from those who are eligible to receive universal credit.