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.
QQI Sport, Recreation & Exercise 5M5146
Additional Certification:
ITEC Fitness Instructor Award:
Planning Gym Based Exercise
Principles Of Exercise, Fitness And Health
Instructing Gym Based Exercise
(The ITEC Personal Trainer Award is completed on the Level 6 course.) National Government Bodies Coaching Awards: FAI: Kick Start 1 and Kick Start 2 GAA: Foundation Coaching Award Irish Water Safety Shallow Water Pool Lifeguarding Cardiac First Response (Pre-hospital Emergency Care Council)
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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QQI subjects:
Sports and Recreation Studies
Exercise and Fitness
Leisure Facility Operations
Communications
Sports Anatomy and Physiology
Word Processing
Gaelic Football Coaching
Swimming
Work Experience
Additional Certification:
ITEC Fitness Instructor Award:
Planning Gym Based Exercise
Principles Of Exercise, Fitness And Health
Instructing Gym Based Exercise
The ITEC Personal Trainer Award is completed in year 2 on the Level 6 course.
Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons.
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in 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 this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
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
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and 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