Certificate 3 Pernonal Training - Devonport

Devonport

Don College

Certificate 3 Personal Training

CAPITOL SHOWCASE

Innovation In Action

Showcasing excellent community-based health and wellbeing initiatives

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Why was this program needed?

• Initially, the program was provided to support staff health and wellbeing.

• Staff were invited to work with Certificate 3 students to their health and wellbeing.

• Staff presented with different goals including to improve fitness, weight loss, recovery from surgery, etc.

• Over time, the benefits of the program became more widely understood and student trainers were provided the opportunity to work with other students and community members.

The Don College Certificate 3 Personal Training program provides students with authentic learning experiences that benefit students and the community, improving physical health, leading to better overall health and wellbeing.

• Strong partnerships now exist between the program and others in the community, for example, local primary schools, Child and Family Centres, Community Houses and Devonport City Council.

The Program in Action

• Students enrol into the course as part of their Year 11/12 studies.

• Certificate 3 students undertake a wide range of ‘real world’ learning opportunities not normally provided to others.

Positive outcomes for the Devonport community

• The development of strong and positive relationships between participants and their student trainers.

• Participants improve their health and wellbeing because they feel valued and supported.

• These experiences greatly assist their skill development.

• Student trainers build strong professional relationships with their clients along with increased knowledge and skill.

• A key message of the program is that you can change the nature of physical activity to suit anyone and their individual needs.

• Successful completion of the course has assisted many students gain employment in the local fitness industry.

• A major focus of the program is the development of communication skills which helps to build strong relationships between participants and their student trainers.

• Some students use the program as a foundation to enrolment at the University of Tasmania.

• Students are well supported by their teacher in preparation for the program and in debriefing sessions afterwards.

• Students use their new found knowledge and skills in everyday life by making better personal health and wellbeing choices and are better able to support family and friends.

CAPITOL (Critical Age Periods Impacting the Trajectory of Obesogenic Lifestyles) is a community-based and community-driven project which aims to build capacity in North-West Tasmania to more effectively prevent obesity.

Further information: https://utas.edu.au/health/community-programs/capitol