We’ve been working closely with UK Health Club Total Fitness to strengthen their team’s expertise through our specialist active leisure qualifications. Whether it’s through our Skills Bootcamps or tailored Personal Training apprenticeships, our goal is to empower their staff at every level.
We recently caught up with Jo Hayhurst, Employee Engagement Specialist, to hear firsthand how these programmes are transforming their workforce culture.
Personal Training Apprenticeships
We’ve been working in partnership with COPA for four years. Currently, we run the Level 3 Personal Training apprenticeship, which allows our team members to develop their technical knowledge and confidence while continuing to work in a live gym environment.
Developing a Capable Workforce
Apprenticeships allow our team members to build real skills while doing their job, rather than stepping away from it. Learning can be applied straight away, which makes it feel relevant and practical. For the business, it means we’re developing confident, capable people who understand our environment, our members, and our expectations. It’s a highly effective way of investing in people while strengthening the business simultaneously.
Growing Talent From Within
The impact has been incredibly positive. We’ve seen team members grow in confidence, take more ownership of their roles, and apply their learning directly to their day-to-day work. It’s helped raise standards and consistency while giving people a clearer sense of direction. From a business perspective, it has reinforced our commitment to growing talent from within.
Supporting Staff At Every Stage
We aim to make further use of the apprenticeships COPA offers so our team members have a wider variety of development options. Our goal is to create clearer, more flexible pathways that support different roles and career stages. Over time, apprenticeships will become an even more visible and valued part of how people grow with Total Fitness.
Meaningful Engagement
I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to other businesses. They provide a structured and meaningful way to develop people while they remain fully engaged in their roles. When supported properly, they build the long-term engagement that benefits both the individual and the organisation.
Special Recognition
I’d like to give a special mention to Alan, Head of Employer Engagement. His regular check-ins have been incredibly helpful in allowing me to support our learners effectively. That ongoing support and communication has made a real difference to the experience for both our apprentices and the business.
If you own or manage a leisure facility or gym, we can support you and your staff with a range of fitness qualifications to expand your services and grow your business. Partner with us today – get in touch!
