Become a Fitness Trainer

With school almost out for the summer, it is crunch time for millions of teenagers facing tough choices about their next career or training move. Psychologist, Cliff Arnall, has developed a formula which has calculated Monday 28, June to be the day when most young people, aged 16-18, will make a significant decision that will influence their future career path.

The formula has been released by Lifetime, the number one training provider in active leisure, as part of its Decision Day campaign which aims to encourage young people to seek professional advice when it comes to making all important training decisions post-school. Arnall, a former Cardiff University lecturer and researcher, has created a formula comprising of six variants:
(V) views of family and friends
(I) independence,
(E) examination timing
(Wpe) work placement experience
(A) attitude and
(P) panic

It shows Decision Day would fall on the last Monday in June each year. All components were factored into the following equation: V + I + E + (Wpe x A)

Arnall says: "The decision as to which training course or job to choose is clearly one of major importance. Students and their parents want to know that the selected course or workplace fits in line with their career aspirations and will provide sufficient stimulation, challenge, satisfaction and income in the future. What is also highly valuable to current students and their parents is the confidence that the training provider or workplace will supply high quality work ready skills that are adaptable in the marketplace and attractive to prospective employers".

Additional research by Lifetime found that just seven per cent of parents say their teenagers have identified their career of choice and are training towards it. The poll, which questioned over 2,000 parents of teenagers aged 14-18 in the UK, also found that 1 in 3 say low cost and free training to get on the career ladder is one of the most important factors to teenagers when planning their future career.

Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime, says: "Whilst some young people have already made up their minds, there seems to be many more who haven't yet decided what career path they intend to pursue. What most do know however is that they need to find a course or job that is highly relevant to their career goals and provides them with the right level of education. It is also interesting to see that many young people crave independence. Self employment is highly attractive to them because of the freedom and flexibility associated with being your own boss. Thanks to various shows like Dragon's Den and The Apprentice, young people are inspired by business role models to become independent and responsible for their own lives. A practical based apprenticeship can be a great option - learning in the workplace guarantees to offer young people real life, hands-on work experience while giving them the social and emotional independence they desire".

Teenagers who take up an apprenticeship with Lifetime have the opportunity to gain employment or a paid or voluntary work placement with some of the country's leading health club or leisure operators. Since completing the programme, we have seen many go on to become self employed professionals in the fitness industry.

Advice for teenagers

Help is at hand for teenagers making those all important decisions. Here, Wallace at Lifetime gives his suggestions:

• DISCOVER YOURSELF: Find out your key strengths eg. what are your favourite lessons, what spare time activities are you involved in, do you have a hobby you are passionate about, how do you feel about exams and practical projects, what particular careers appeal to you most and what are your hopes and visions for the future

• DO YOUR RESEARCH: Read up on information given to you at school and don't be afraid to ask for further advice eg. find out what options are available, what careers they lead to and whether there is financial help available. It's also worth looking up careers that interest you on the internet it will help you find out whether you need specific experience, qualifications and grades to achieve your chosen career

• SPEAK UP: Talk to the experts. This includes teachers of specific subjects, school careers co-ordinators and Connexions advisors. Also talk to your parents, siblings and friends who may be able to offer you help or advice

• GET EXPERIENCE: Sign up for course tasters, get work experience and attend open days to find out more about what is involved to make it in your favourite career choices

• CHECK DEADLINES: Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to apply for any courses you are interested in. Check the application deadlines and course dates as popular options can fill up quickly

• CONVERT YOUR HOBBY TO A JOB: If you enjoy swimming, playing football or getting fit in the gym, then take a look at the routes into working in sport and fitness. Lifetime offers apprenticeships which can qualify 16-18 year olds to work in various roles including assistant sports coach, lifeguard and fitness instructor

• DON'T PANIC: Millions of teenagers are in the same boat so don't panic. It's important you make plans for the next stage of your working life but there is plenty of help out there and the rewards make the tough decisions well worth it

Lifetime is offering a free advice service for teenagers and parents of teenagers thinking about training for a career in active leisure. Call on 0870 120 1209 or visit http://www.lifetimetraining.co.uk for information on Lifetime's range of apprenticeships.