Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) Apply directly to College
This one-year, full-time PLC course qualifies students as certified Gym Instructors with internationally recognized, industry-standard credentials from QQI, ITEC, the FAI, and the GAA. Blending extensive classroom theory with practical training in instruction techniques, the curriculum covers the use of fitness equipment and technology under the guidance of experienced instructors. Graduates earn an NFQ Level 5 accreditation, unlocking progression routes to Level 6 Personal Trainer qualifications or direct careers in sports coaching and the health and fitness industry. To ensure competitive career preparation, the program includes a specialized three-week block placement for hands-on work experience within a gym or leisure center setting.
Course Details
What will you study?
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which any Major Award (including this one) provides a possible Progression route, click below:
| CAO with Any QQI Major Award |
| Old FETAC Code | New QQI Code |
| DSRXX | 5M5146 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Options for graduates from this course include:
- Seeking employment as Fitness Instructors
- Working with National Governing Bodies
- Sport Development Officers
College Profile
