Nineteen young people have completed a Level Two Gym Instructor qualification as part of the education and employability support offered at Fight for Peace.

Led by Sports Manager Silvino Domingos, with the vital support of Kenny Udenwoke, the course was delivered over an eight week period, occurring on the weekends. Young people had to pass a robust selection process in order to be accepted onto the course. 

The qualification equips young people with the skills to work in a gym environment, meaning they can be employed by a commercial gym, run classes and help maintain the correct environment. It’s also considered the first step to becoming a personal trainer, which requires additional qualifications. 

The Level Two Gym Instructor course is composed of classroom based and practical elements – including anatomy and physiology, and fitness session design and delivery for individuals and groups – and concludes with a series of assessments.

The curriculum also includes an introduction to business planning and nutrition, subjects that are dealt with in greater detail at the Level Three stage which also equips young people with the skills to run one to one sessions and be self-employed. A Level Three Personal Trainer course is due to be delivered at Fight for Peace later this year and will be open to those who have passed Level Two. We also plan to provide hands-on work experience at our Academy in North Woolwich and provide access to the Level 3 Personal Training course to enhance their knowledge and skill.

To build on this progression and ensure participants are supported beyond the classroom, we are excited to be piloting a more tailored approach to their development after the course. This includes a series of targeted sessions designed to help them take the next steps in launching their careers and establishing themselves within the fitness industry.

With the backing of partners such as REED and Peninsula, participants will have access to a range of practical resources including a First Aid course, CV building and job application support, interview preparation, client consultation skills, and networking events. These workshops will also cover essential insights into gym contracts and employment pathways, reinforcing the skills and knowledge already gained.

“We had a very good group,” explained Sports Manager Silvino. “I was especially pleased that half of the learners were women, I think this really demonstrates the work we have done to diversify the profile of young people accessing courses like this, and I think it bodes really well for the fitness industry.”

“With many of the young people that come to Fight for Peace being so passionate about sport, this course is a perfect fit for us. It’s a great qualification to gain, the fitness industry is booming and this allows young people to get up and running immediately, while also offering progressions to becoming personal trainers in the future. It’s also really flexible, so it’s a great part time option for those young people who are studying.” he added.

A big congratulations to all of the young people who have completed the course, it’s a fantastic achievement and we look forward to seeing your expertise in action at Fight for Peace and beyond! For more information on fitness industry courses running at Fight for Peace please contact Silvino Domingos at silvino.domingos@fightforpeace.net.

Thank you to The East End Community Foundation for supporting the Fight for Peace to deliver this impactful course, equipping young people with the skills to embark on their fitness career journeys.