Learning the Focus Way
People learn best when they are motivated and free from other distractions. We know that you will enjoy and get more out of your course when it is delivered on your terms. That is why learning with Focus gives you a greater chance of success.
Our courses are a mix of supported home study and practical course attendance days but unlike colleges and many other training providers, with Focus it is you who sets the pace. Do you want to fast track to your new career or work at a more relaxed pace to fit in around your exisiting work and family commitments? After a discussion with our tutors, together you will agree a realistic structured approach for you to complete your qualification.
Your home study experience
Tutor support
During your home study period our experienced tutors are with you every step of the way. They will contact you to complete regular pre-planned tuition sessions, but you do not have to wait for us to call you, our tutors are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and you can also contact them via Skype, MSN or email, they are always ready to help.
This is such an important aspect of your learning experience with Focus, we place a huge emphasis on giving you the support you need so you will not be surprised that our tutors were rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Online options
Many students are opting for our e-learning package, which allows you to complete your workbooks online. This has all the word processing advantages that you would associate with creating work on your PC or laptop and you may find it easier to type up your work so that you easily amend and update your answers at a later date. Submitting your work online is very easy and you will benefit from even quicker feedback from our tutors. You will still receive hard copies of our workbooks because, from experience, our students tell us they still like to have a book to refer to.
Your practical course attendance experience
Attendance days
Our tutors will advise you on the necessary two to three practical course days to complete your course. Sometimes there is a gap between the days to allow you to prepare for a final practical assessment. All of our courses are delivered by industry tutors at centres of excellence throughout the UK so you will be able to attend a convenient location.
Your questions answered
All our courses are fully accredited and awarded by nationally recognised bodies. At Focus Training, we understand that choosing the right course can be a minefield. So before making the decision, here are some of the questions that you need to ask:
- What type of course do I need?
- How can I ensure that the qualification that I choose is recognised by the industry?
- What level of course do I need?
- How much time will I need to take off work?
- >Which method of learning is the right option for me?
- How do I know that the training provider that I choose is a good one?
1. What type of course do I need?
Always choose a course that leads to an awarding body qualification specifically in the area of health and fitness related qualifications that are government approved, such as CYQ, AIQ, OCR or City & Guilds. Approved centres are subject to rigorous inspection from awarding bodies to ensure standards and quality.
Focus Training use CYQ as their awarding body as they offer a full range of qualifications to enable progressive learning and career development. CYQ has 17 years of fitness industry experience and has established itself as a credible, nationally recognised specialist in the health and fitness industry. CYQ qualifications have industry wide respect amongst employers and fitness professionals.
2. How can I ensure that the qualification that I choose is recognised by the industry?
The industry has set up the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) to regulate exercise and fitness instructors and trainers by recognising qualifications allowing entry to the register at different levels. It allows employers to check that any potential employee has the required qualifications for employment in the industry. All fitness professionals on the REPs must complete more training to maintain their status on the register by gaining continuing professional development (CPD) points. This ensures that their knowledge is valid and current.
All Focus Training qualifications give full entry to the REPs and our series of workshops give CPD points to qualified instructors.
3. What level of course do I need?
There are three levels of qualification in the health and fitness industry.
Level 1 Assistant Fitness Instructor – Provides a foundation for those considering progressing to level 2. This is a good qualification to supplement existing GCSEs as it works with the national curriculum. It is equivalent to a Key Stage 4, GCSE Grade D-G or an NVQ Level 1
Level 2 Fitness Instructor – This is the course needed for entry into employment in the health and fitness industry. The two main Level 2 courses are Gym and Exercise to Music. Other disciplines include Aqua, Step, Circuits, Studio Cycling and Instructing Health Related Exercise to Children. It is the equivalent of GCSE Grades A-C or an NVQ Level 2
Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor – This is the highest level currently available. The Personal Trainer Diploma is a level 3 qualification, it is at an equivalent level to A levels or an NVQ Level 3.
Focus Training offers all three levels of qualifications to ensure that our students have a progressive career path and a good rounded knowledge of all facets of being a fitness professional.
4. How much time will I need to take off work?
Focus Training recognise that people who are training whilst in employment or training for a career move need the flexibility to learn around their busy schedules. We have developed all our courses to allow students to study at their own pace, in their own homes with the minimum of time spent away from home and work.
5. Which method of learning is the right option for me?
Focus Training use a mixture of distance learning and course attendance. Distance learning is an excellent form of learning for people to enable them to study around their day to day life at a pace that suits them and also for people who cannot afford to take a lot of days away from work or home.
Focus Training provide a team of telephone support tutors who will guide you through the distance learning homework, providing technical support and advice via the telephone or the internet. Our tutors will agree set times for you to be contacted and we also run a help line for you if you get stuck!
Once the distance learning is complete, you will attend one of our national centres, where you will spend all your time on practical learning, using the latest equipment in the most up to date fitness centres, at locations throughout the UK.
6. How do I know that the training provider that I choose is a good one?
The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) now Ofsted, is a government body that grades the quality of adult training providers. The ALI award grades to training providers on a 1-4 scale where 1 is outstanding and 4 is unsatisfactory.
Focus Training received an overall Grade1 for the quality of its training provision.
Please click here if you wish to see a copy of our report.
The ALI commented that our tuition was outstanding and that our pass rates were excellent. Over 90% of our students gain their chosen qualification.
