Health, Exercise and Fitness Practitioner - Level 3 (Year 2)

• Health, Exercise and Fitness Practitioner - Level2 (Year 1) qualification

or

• an equivalent qualification as a Level 2 Gym Instructor

and

• 1 GCSE grade 3 in English or maths, and 1 GCSE grade 4 in English or maths

You may undertake an interview with a panel made up of college staff and employers within the fitness and leisure industry.

Please note that progression from year 1 to year 2 is not automatic. You will need to successfully pass the qualification, have attendance above 93% for each component of your programme, and your conduct during the academic year must be in line with Newcastle College's Student Code of Conduct.

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 3 in Health, Exercise and Fitness Practitioner.

You will also gain the following additional qualifications:

• Active IQ - Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma)
• Active IQ - Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
• Active IQ - Technical Specialist in Adapting Activity for Antenatal and Postnatal Clients

• Applied anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness
• Principles of nutrition for exercise and health
• Understanding lifestyle, wellbeing and common medical conditions
• Encouraging positive health and fitness behaviours
• Programme design and delivery for personal training
• Professionalism and business acumen for personal trainers

• Practical sessions
• Classroom settings
• Work placements
• One-to-one tutorials
• Role play

• Portfolio
• Practical assessments
• Presentation
• Exams

In Year 2, you’ll deepen your experience in the fitness industry with a weekly half‑day placement in local gyms and leisure centres, thanks to our partnerships with GLL, Elswick Community Pool and Gym, and RISE.

You’ll take on more responsibility, applying advanced skills in personal training, exercise referral and professional client support while working rota-based duties and supporting a wider range of people.

Alongside industry‑recognised Level 3 and specialist qualifications, you’ll benefit from ongoing employer involvement in delivery and mentoring, helping you build confidence, grow your industry network and develop the advanced skills employers across Newcastle’s health and fitness sector are looking for.

In Year 2, you’ll build more advanced English and maths skills that directly support personal training and exercise referral work.

You’ll use English to write detailed client assessments, personalised programmes, professional reports and reflective evaluations, as well as communicate confidently with clients and health professionals.

Your maths skills will develop through analysing client data, monitoring health indicators, calculating training loads and progressions, managing schedules and understanding basic business and pricing information.

If you need to resit English or maths, you’ll study these alongside your course.

Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress directly into employment across the health, fitness and leisure sector.

Typical job roles include Fitness Instructor, Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Exercise Referral Instructor, working within gyms, leisure centres and community health settings.

You may also progress into roles such as Health and Wellbeing Coach, Studio Instructor (for circuits or functional training), or Leisure Assistant, with opportunities to work rota-based shifts in facilities like those operated by GLL.

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.