GYMtrain targets new generation of sport and fitness specialists

Young unemployed people in Hackney with an interest in the sport and fitness industries are being offered the chance to take part in GYMtrain, a new programme which aims to equip them with the skills to enter this growing sector.

GYMtrain will offer a personalised and integrated programme of support from initial motivation and personal development, through to skills training, work experience, job seeking and on-the-job support, to unemployed Hackney residents aged 18 to 24.  The one-year project is run by the Hackney-based charity, Training for Life, with funding from Team Hackney, the borough’s local strategic partnership.   

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney and Chair of Team Hackney said:  “With the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics just over four years away, there is already a growing interest in sport and fitness.  Projects like this will give the young people of Hackney the chance to actively participate in the economic and health improvement opportunities arising out of the Games.”  

Trainees gain the Level 2 Gym instructor qualification during the 28-week part-time programme, which starts with a taster day of circus skills at Circus Space, Shoreditch, followed by a further day of martial arts at the Bob Breen Academy, Hoxton Square.  A third introductory day will provide specific information about the kinds of job opportunities available in the sport and fitness sector, whether it is pool-side or gym-based work, to sport instruction or working in sports sales and retail.

“What is special about this programme is that it is more than just skills development”, said Training for Life project manager, Martin Lee.  “Each participant will have their own “blueprint for work” – a personal development and support package which takes into account their own individual circumstances.  Intensive one-to-one coaching will be given by industry mentors, and those who go through the programme will, in their turn, have the chance to become peer advisers for those coming through.”

Training for Life has its own sports facilities and good contacts with employers in the sport and leisure sector.  All participants will have access to specialised job brokerage and will remain in contact with the programme once they are in work or further training.

For more information about GYMtrain contact the team on 020 7749 2800 or email martin@trainingforlife.org or see GYMtrain@trainingforlife.org.

For more information about Team Hackney contact Ruth Garland on 020 8356 2476 or ruth.garland@hackney.gov.uk

02.09.2008