June 17, 2024

UOW College helps jump start local student's fitness career

Elouise Hicks on track to gain a fitness qualification before finishing high school

For local Year 12 Eden Marine High School student, Elouise Hicks, the aspiration to become a personal trainer is something that can’t wait to start until she finishes high school.

Elouise is jump starting her career in the fitness industry by completing a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) program through UOW College Australia while completing her HSC and working in the industry.

Last year, Elouise approached the owner of the Merimbula gym at which she trained, Seaside Health Club, and asked him how she could get into the fitness industry while she completes her secondary school education.

“I had thought about fitness as a career option for a long time and wanted to jump into it as soon as I could,” Elouise said.

“I asked Mark Moses, the owner, how I could do it and he suggested I look into the SBAT program through UOW College. I went and spoke to my careers adviser at school and applied.”

UOW College Australia is a subsidiary of the University of Wollongong (UOW), offering pathway programs to UOW and vocational courses.

The UOW College SBAT program allows secondary school students to complete a nationally recognised qualification through a combination of course work, paid work and training while completing Years 10, 11, and 12.

As part of the program, students complete at least 100 days in paid employment which can be undertaken during school, before or after school, and during school holidays.

“I still go to school five days a week and three afternoons a week I work at the gym,” Elouise said.

“All the learning modules are online, so I self-manage that, but my trainer through UOW College is always available to give me feedback or help when I need it.

“I can continue my HSC while being able to graduate high school with a qualification in a career that I want.”

Elouise started the fitness SBAT in August 2023, and although it is a two-year program, she is confident she will finish at the same time as she finishes Year 12 in November.

Since starting the program Eloise has learned how to instruct group classes, how to screen clients, write individual programs for clients, and how to manage customer service and member interactions.

“I really enjoy instructing classes and running them myself. My favourite is the boxing conditioning circuit.

“I also fill in for other instructors when they are away and have learned how to run a variety of classes and programs.”

The SBAT program is a mix of online and face-to-face study, allowing students access to UOW’s high-quality training centre and local experts in Sports and Exercise Science.

By the end of the year Elouise will graduate with a Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321), her Higher School Certificate, and the industry experience she gained as part of the SBAT.

“The thing I like about the SBAT is that it is self-driven and you have to be motivated to do it.

“It’s an alternative education pathway and you still have the accomplishment of completing your HSC, but you graduate with a qualification you will be able to use immediately.

“It is a much easier and more efficient way to get a jump into a career than having to wait to finish school and then start studying again.”

More information about SBAT programs is available via the UOW College website.