Gascoyne pilots fitness course
A nationally recognised training course enabling students to become qualified fitness instructors in 12 months is being trialed in Carnarvon by the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR), in partnership with Australian YMCA Institute Education and Training Perth.
25 August 2008
The pilot of the Certificate III in Fitness course was launched on Monday 21 July 2008, and began with the first of the contact lectures in Carnarvon — two-and-a-half days in class with lecturer Wayne Stuart of the YMCA Perth.
Students will be expected to complete the 12-month training course through flexible delivery and learning strategies. The course involves three to four sessions of contact lectures and upon completion, each student will be a qualified fitness instructor.
The course has been supported by funding from DSR, which has covered half of the course costs.
DSR Coordinator for the project, Tanya Mills, said the department was pleased with the response to the program from the Gascoyne communities.
"Eleven enthusiastic people signed up for the course, from Exmouth to Geraldton," Ms Mills said.
"DSR will now focus on developing some long term strategies to ensure training opportunities in fitness and other areas in sport and recreation are accessible throughout regional WA."
Mr Stuart said the YMCA of Perth was proud to be working in partnership with DSR to deliver the nationally recognised Certificate III in Fitness to the region.
"Finding qualified fitness instructors has been an issue in these areas and with the latest Government report suggesting that 26 per cent of Australians are now classed as obese, it is now more important than ever to provide every community with skilled professionals to deliver health, fitness and lifestyle programs," he said.
"The YMCA is currently delivering these courses statewide and has delivered them in areas from Hopetoun to Christmas Island. Upon completion of the course students will be able to work anywhere in Australia, New Zealand and the UK."
Student David Tsangaris said he thought the course would be of value to both students and other people in the region.
"It is a great opportunity to participate in a Certificate III in Fitness course in a regional location," Mr Tsangaris said. "It gives us the ability to help others within our respective communities."
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