Fitness skills gap continues despite downturn
A shortage of fitness trainers qualified to deliver exercise programs to children still
exists despite the economic downturn.
“There is an urgent need for qualified fitness professionals to deliver exercise to
children”, said Kit McMahon, General Manager at Service Skills Australia, “The fitness
industry is well-placed to offer solutions to the obesity crisis, yet there aren’t enough
people with the right qualification to fill the gap”.
There has been growth in the development of both facilities and programmes aimed at
children and adolescents. However, only 28% of the exercise professionals registered
with Fitness Australia are able to deliver children’s fitness programs. It is estimated that
25% of Australian children are overweight or obese and this number is increasing by 1%
each year.
Service Skills Australia, the industry skills council for the service industry, has recently
completed a pilot of an Australian Apprenticeship program for Certificate III in Fitness,
with specialisation in delivering exercise programs to children and young adults.
The program, funded under the Australian Government's Industry Training Strategies
Programme, administered by the Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations, is an important step to ensure that Australia has appropriately
skilled fitness professionals to deal with the future needs of the Australian population.
“Training in the fitness industry is currently focusing on the higher profile occupations of
gym instructor and personal trainer”, Ms McMahon said. “We would encourage students,
jobseekers and qualified fitness professionals to undertake training in this
specialisation”.
The qualification can be undertaken by completing training through a registered training
organisation or through an Australian Apprenticeship. For more information contact
For more information contact Lizzie Ball on 02 8243 1200 or lball@serviceskills.com.au
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