Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Average; employment growth is expected to be moderate to 2011. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $25,000 to $45,000 plus |
| Brief | ''Let's Get Physical'' will be your motto in this industry where the emphasis is on helping others keep fit. There are currently around 2,760 fitness instructors and related workers employed in South Australia. Employment is largely part-time and most work in the cultural and recreational services industry. Most persons in this occupation are female and most are employed in the Adelaide metropolitan area. This occupation has a younger age profile with only less than a quarter of fitness instructors aged 45 years or older. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Fitness Instructor
Certificate III in Fitness
Introduction
The recreation and fitness industry is divided into four sectors (sport, outdoor recreation, community recreation and fitness) all of which provide services that help promote an active lifestyle. A diverse range of occupations exist in the industry, so people with a wide variety of interests may find suitable employment. For example, becoming a recreation officer might be the best choice for those who are interested in a career in administration, business or marketing. People who want to be directly involved in physical activity may prefer to work as a fitness instructor or an outdoor adventure leader.
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Influencing and Personal Contact
Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker, Accountant, Actor, Aromatherapist, Author/ Book Editor, Bar Attendant, Beauty Therapist, Building Surveyor, Butcher, Child Care Worker, Counsellor and Community Worker, Ecotourism Guide, Event Coordinator, Fashion Designer, Film,Stage, TV and Radio Director, Fitness Instructor, Florist, Gaming Workers, Hairdresser, Hotel Manager, Human Resources Manager, IT Network Administrator, Journalist, Marketing Specialists, Musician, Nursing (enrolled), Occupational Health & Safety Professional, Patient Care Assistant, Personal Assistant, Personal Trainer, Police Officer, Project and Program Administrator, Real Estate Agents & Property Managers, Restaurant and Catering Manager, School Services Officer, Security Officer, Sports Coach, Tourist Information Officer, Travel and Tour Consultant, Trichologist, VET in Schools Teachers, Veterinary Nurse, Youth Worker and Disability Worker
Helping and Community Services
Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker, Aged or Disabilities Carer, Child Care Worker, Counsellor and Community Worker, Fitness Instructor, Interpreter, Kitchen hand, Librarian, Massage Therapist, Occupational Health & Safety Professional, Patient Care Assistant, Personal Assistant, Police Officer, Tourist Information Officer, Trichologist, VET in Schools Teachers, Youth Worker and Disability Worker
Education Requirements
Of the current fitness instructors 19% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas, 17% have Certificate III of IV, 15% have Bachelor Degrees and 9% have Certificate I or II. While there are 32% who have no post school qualifications it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.
TAFE SA offers a Certificate III or IV and a Diploma in Fitness.
The Australian Institute of Fitness also offers a Certificate III and IV in Fitness.
Career Path
Employment in this occupation has grown strongly in the past five years. This growth is largely attributable to the fact that peoples' awareness about health and fitness continues to increase. Although full-time employment of fitness instructors has increased, many people are employed on a part-time or casual basis. There is also a high turnover rate that contributes to these employment opportunities. New entrants often begin instructing on a casual basis, sometimes while studying for formal qualifications in the area of physical fitness and education.
Qualified fitness instructors can expect to find employment in fitness centres, health studios, gymnasiums, sport and leisure centres, self-defence centres or community organisations. This is a relatively small sized occupation, which generally experiences only moderate job turnover. Competition for positions is strong.
Industries
Cultural and Recreational Services, Health and Community Services
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
Fitness Instructors don't just work in gyms, they develop and co-ordinate leisure events, from school holiday programs to sporting tournaments. Though duties vary, writing proposals, preparing budgets and writing reports may also be involved. They are also in constant contact with people, so it would help if you enjoy dealing with people in a variety of situations. One On One and Group Advice Fitness instructors design fitness programs for individuals and conduct fitness classes for groups. Fitness to music instructors can specialise in gym, aerobic or aqua aerobic instruction, resistance training or personal training. Instructors are often called upon to give advice to individuals and may specialise in working with specific groups, for example elderly people. ''I have worked in the fitness and recreation industry for over 10 years. I started out by teaching aerobics and although I do the odd class now, I'm finding that my interest is shifting toward personal training. That's the beauty of this industry, its progressive and you can move with it,'' says a local fitness instructor/personal trainer. Outdoor adventure leaders organise and lead groups on expeditions, from diving to orienteering. You will need to be familiar with a wide range of outdoor activities and obtain specific licenses to engage in some activities.
Typical Physical Working Environment
Fitness instructors need to have a good level of physical fitness. They also must have an enthusiastic, outgoing personality. A background in fitness activities may be an advantage as well as having good communication skills.
Fitness instructors spend most of their time in offices and hours are usually nine to five. Fitness instructors usually work in recreation centres. Personal trainers may spend some time outdoors if they incorporate outdoor activities into their exercise programs. Fitness instructors can work on a casual, part time or full time basis, with casual work the most common. Hours can be long and include early mornings and late nights. The working environment and conditions for outdoor adventure leaders depend on the area they work in, though employment is usually on a casual basis and includes weekend work.
Typical Occupational Example
People working in the fitness and recreation industry need to be highly motivated and be able to motivate others. Fitness instructors and outdoor adventure leaders also need to be physically fit. There is an increasing demand for recreation officers with marketing and/or management skills, so gaining these may be useful in increasing your employment prospects. ''Working in the sport and recreation industry is a rewarding career. There are not only opportunities for personal satisfaction, but also the reward of helping others through exercise and the social benefits of organised activities,'' says an industry professional.
For further information, contact:
Australian Institute of Fitness (SA)
15 Princes Rd Kingswood SA 5062
Ph: (08) 8373 3943
Fax: (08) 8373 2835
Email: sa@aif.edu.au
Internet Address: http://www.aif.edu.au
Australian Fitness Network (National Office)
PO Box 57 Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Ph: (02) 9908 4944
Fax: (02) 9908 4349
Email: info@fitnessnetwork.com.au
Internet Address: http://www.fitnessnetwork.com.au
Fitness Australia (National Office)
PO Box 1311 Crows Nest NSW 1585
Ph: (02) 9460 6130
Fax: (02) 9460 6211
Email: admin@fitnessaustralia.com.au
Internet Address: http://www.fitnessaustralia.com.au
Earning Potential
There is a wide range of earnings, varying between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. Some Fitness Instructors with good reputations can earn much more by working privately or starting their own business.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
This Career Profile information was last modified: 29/10/2007 9:30:38 AM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
