National Certificate in Fitness (Personal Training Business Skills) (Level 4)

This qualification is designed to recognise both the technical exercise competence and the business understanding required to operate a personal training business within a fitness enterprise in New Zealand. Graduates will be aiming to work as personal trainers charging for their work as part of the employed personal training group at a fitness facility.

The structure of the qualification is focused on the business skills required to be a successful personal trainer. The qualification is a progression from the National Certificate in Fitness (Exercise Consultant) (Level 3) [Ref: 1318] and may lead to the National Diploma in Fitness (Applied) (Level 5) [Ref: 1240].

The content of the qualification is centered on having the candidate assess opportunities, plan and execute a business strategy, and evaluate and adapt the business in line with results. The content is quite specific in that it deals with industry situations and the promotion, sale and support of an intangible and future-based outcome in a relatively open environment often with little structured support. For this reason the content of the qualification and standards is robust, in depth, and directive, and addresses the current 'gaps' within skills and knowledge as reported by both trainers and owners/managers of clubs.

This qualification may be undertaken concurrently with the National Certificate in Fitness (Exercise Consultant) (Level 3) [Ref: 1318].

Graduates of this qualification may go on to complete the National Diploma in Fitness (Applied) (Level 5) [Ref: 1240] by undertaking further learning in the fitness area or related disciplines as outlined in that qualification.

Te Mahi Ako is a Private Training Enterprise (PTE) funded by the government to create world-class, nationally-recognised programmes linked to qualifications that staff can complete on the job. The benefit of on-the-job training is that you are earning an income, gaining a qualification, and getting real-life experience, all in one go. And because Te Mahi Ako’s programmes are government-subsidised, they are very affordable.

Te Mahi Ako works with a wide range of facilities throughout New Zealand, from small to large. Te Mahi Ako or the facility will provide learning resources and assessment tasks for the staff member, and supporting materials will help the workplace to deliver the training. In some cases, an organisation’s own in-house training programme will be aligned to a Te Mahi Ako programme, so staff members who complete the in-house training will simultaneously earn a national qualification. Te Mahi Ako also has a Recognition of Current Competency process, which means that you may be able to get your existing skills and experience recognised through a qualification.

To enrol in a Te Mahi Ako on-the-job qualification, you must be employed in the industry or be a volunteer. Make sure to check with the business that you’re working in, or would like to work in, to see if they are already registered with Te Mahi Ako.

For more information go to: www.temahiako.org.nz