// Where can I use my personal trainer certification?
The skills and knowledge you will pick up during your ePT studies will be fundamental in helping you establish a longstanding and rewarding career in the fitness industry.
Gaining your fitness certification through Australian Fitness Network will mean that you will be extremely employable. Network has an excellent reputation among the fitness industry (both here and overseas), so once you start waving that Network qualification around, you may have to start beating off the job offers!
The Australian industry is desperate for passionate, skilled and qualified personal trainers. This means that once you've completed your studies you have loads of work opportunities available to you. Some popular options for fitness professionals with a personal trainer certification include:
Becoming employed as a personal trainer
If you would like to be employed as a personal trainer or gym instructor at a fitness club, once you've finished your course, you can approach your local or favourite fitness facility to find out if they're hiring personal trainers.
What you'll typically find is that every facility who employs personal trainers will hire someone who is passionate, confident, knowledgeable, skilled and genuine. It can often be worthwhile donating your time for free for a short time, to get your foot in the door and show them how great a trainer you really are. Perhaps you can offer your services to their members on a trial basis, at no charge to the club or client, during a timeslot where you aren't already committed.
If you don't have a favourite or local club that you feel comfortable approaching, check out www.fitnesscareers.com.au to read about the industry's most recently listed vacant positions. Remember, as an ePT student you receive unlimited access to fitnesscareers.com.au for as long as your Network membership remains current.
Starting your own personal training business
Part of the appeal of being a personal trainer is the opportunity to run your own business. Being a business owner means, in theory, you can set your own hours and make your own rules.
Personal trainers who run their own show typically do so by by opening up a personal training studio/facility or establishing a mobile business (where you travel to your clients' homes or meet them somewhere).
To find out more about these work options contact Justin Tamsett from Active Management and the Personal Trainer Round Table program. Justin can provide you with some tailored advice and/or direct you to resources that can help you find out more about this sort of opportunity.
Becoming a personal training franchisee
If owning your own business sounds great but you're a little scared about going it alone, you could consider a franchise arrangement.
The great thing about franchises is that you are not left unsupported to run your own personal training business. Most fitness franchises come with some level of support by way of training, ongoing support, and sometimes even uniforms and administration resources.
There are lots of fitness organisations out there who are selling franchises for personal trainers. Popular franchises include (but are not limited to):
And, of course, if you're thinking about travelling, the great news is that your ePT personal trainer certification is automatically recognised around Australia as well as in New Zealand, Canada and the UK, through organisations who we can put you in touch with before you leave.
So, as you can see, once you become a qualified personal trainer and ready to help improve the lives of others, there are lots of different work options available to you. Remember, Network provides ongoing support and advice to you so if you need help at any time, drop us a line or pick up the phone and ask us!
