Health trainer
Sports and Leisure

How to become a health trainer

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Award in Improving the Public's Health
• Level 2 Award in Nutrition for Health

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by doing a community sport and health officer advanced apprenticeship. You may be able to move on to a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering & Experience

You can get into this job through voluntary experience with local community groups. You can contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust for advice on voluntary opportunities. You can also contact the National Council for Voluntary Organisations about work placements.

Direct application

You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you've got:

• an understanding of the health issues facing the community
• good communication skills in English and, for some jobs, a second community language
• some GCSEs, including English

Qualifications or experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor or dietitian can also be helpful.

More info

Further information You can find out more about working as a health trainer from Health Careers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• administration skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

• Your day-to-day duties might include:

  • introducing people to relevant local services
  • helping people understand how their behaviour affects their health
  • supporting and motivating individuals to change harmful habits
  • explaining the benefits of healthier food and lifestyle choices
  • recording activity levels and results, and using these to motivate clients

Working environment

You could work in an office or in the community.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could progress to team supervisor, or senior health improvement specialist. You could also move into related careers in health promotion or community development.