“Physical Education has always been my favourite subject at school – it makes me happy. At school, I was in the cricket team, football team and netball team. I like to keep myself active! I wanted to pursue a career in health and fitness such as a Personal Trainer or Physiotherapist. I’ve always had that mind-set.

“Revising with books is not for me – I’d rather be active”

When my sixth form dropped PE as an A Level, I needed to find a similar course elsewhere. I heard about YMCA’s Fitness Training Academy through a school friend who goes to the YMCA Club. The course looked interesting and was only 20 mins away from where I lived.

This qualification will help me start up my Personal Training business. My family support me doing this rather than going to university because I’m not that academic. Revising with books is not for me – I’d rather be active.

In the mornings during the course, we’re in the YMCA Club using the machines. As students, we pair up, personally train each other and run through each other’s exercise programmes. In the afternoons, we do theory such as the principles of fitness and the anatomy of physiology.

“The people on my course are great”

Everyone is so welcoming at the YMCA Club, which is nice. It’s not a patronising environment. The people on my course are great – I get on with everyone. Having them with me in the gym makes it a better experience. I’m with people who make me feel different.

On the course, I enjoy going to the gym the most and doing different exercises. I also like the theory which is interesting – it keeps me engaged. I like keeping active because it takes my mind off things. When I go to the gym, my endorphins are released. I feel happier and in a good place. If I’m having problems with my friends or family, in the gym, my problems disappear, which is nice.

Exercising in the morning is the most challenging thing. We come in and the Tutor throws us in the deep end. Sometimes the theory can be complicated and hard to get my head around, but in the end I get it.

“This course has changed me in a good way”

I would encourage people to do this course because it keeps you active and in the gym for two days per week. You learn how the body works, which is interesting and it gives you a better understanding of how eating certain foods can impact the body.

I’m doing something practical during the day, whereas if I was at college, it would be constantly academic.

This course has changed me in a good way. I’ve always got a goal to work towards and I achieve it to the best of my ability.

If you want to be fulfilled, this course is the place to be.”

Congratulations on a triple distinction result Tommy, how did you start out and what was your previous experience?

I left school and successfully completed my A-level studies in environmental studies, biology, geography, and geology. Horticulture was not an option! After completing my A-levels, I came to work for local company Potters Resort. I started working in the restaurant, but I was very fortunate to be mentored by Andrew Broom, company owner, he encouraged me to go for a role in the grounds team as he could see my potential for the apprenticeship vacancy. The company nurtured me from day one to go for it, with the training available both in-house and through Central YMCA. I signed up to the apprenticeship program and worked alongside the existing apprentice. My plant knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject was noted by the team and my supervisor and mentor Vinny, who inspired me to learn as much as possible. He had a very interesting career and supported me throughout my training.

Best thing about the horticulture industry?

I love working with plants, so job satisfaction, working outside, always learning new skills, and recognition when visitors and staff comment on how great the site looks. My skills tutor has given me great career advice and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Worst thing about horticulture industry?

There isn’t anything, I like working outside and I’m happy amongst the plants, working on my own or as part of the team.

Best thing about being a trainee apprentice?

Opportunities to learn from others, not being expected to know everything as people are encouraging you to learn on the job. No student debt, and I’m now able to consider setting up my own business.

Advice to anyone considering apprenticeship in horticulture?

Go for it! Good pay and opportunities and it’s such an interesting and enjoyable career.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Maybe up a tree! I’m aiming to get my Climbing and Felling Certificates through Potters. I’ve just completed a Cherry Picker licence so we can take on the maintenance of trees on site. I’m also considering a career in Forestry, Trees and Timber or Conservation sector, also I think I’d like to set up my own Garden Maintenance business, maybe even to train up an apprentice one day! It’s all about job satisfaction for me. My tutor, Melody, is encouraging me to enter the young horticulturalist of the year competition next year so watch this space.

“Fitness and sport isn’t a part of my life but instead is my life.”

“Without sport I don’t know where or who I’d be, I feel like I would have nothing. For my whole life, football and sport has been everything, if I’m not playing or participating in sport I  am watching it and studying it or creating my session for tomorrow. It gives me a purpose and a way to show who I am to people.”
 
“I guess I’m a little fitness and sports obsessed, I love football and exercise in general from working out on my own to being in a group. And now I have discovered my love for training people and helping others on their fitness journey.” 

“I’m more confident, smarter, I have friends and so many good memories”

“As well as all the knowledge I now have and the diploma I feel so much more confident in helping people and interacting with people in the fitness world, the course allowed me to find a niche and turn a hobby into a lifestyle. After the course I can now easily say I’m more confident, smarter, I have friends who I will continue to talk to and so many good memories.”
 
“It’s difficult to choose, however, I would say the freedom is the best thing about the course. When I went to class it never felt like a school system as such but instead it allowed me to work by myself and have more responsibility which I  liked. My tutor was amazing and helped me so much. But also the experience you gain in the gym and with Nike is really good.“

“Fitness can change a person’s life”

“I believe that nobody has a limit and I hate the idea of limitations, hence my brand name beling ‘Limitless Fitness’. I believe that if we truly want to we can accomplish anything no matter what it is, where we start, who we are or what others think. I think fitness can change a person’s life, by giving them purpose, freedom or the feeling of separation from the world for a few moments, it can make them happier, healthier and be a massive catalyst to better themselves through life.”

What’s next?

“I would like to work as a Personal Trainer and grow a client base in the short term and eventually grow a brand/business with a team of personal trainers. I’d like to think I’m a funny, positive and hard working individual with a constant desire to progress. When I’m training clients, I hope to make them feel happy, confident and comfortable in the gym and inspire them to push themselves.” 

Next Course – September 2022

We’re currently recruiting for our next YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike, which will run in London, Bury, Ipswich, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich and Scunthorpe.
If you’re aged 16 to 18 and want to kick-start your fitness career with a free two-year government-funded, Ofsted regulated course, you can find out more here.

“I hate exams!”

“Sport is my one thing I absolutely love”. When I was at school, PE made me so happy! I literally did every kind of sport – dance, gymnastics and even rugby! I was pretty rubbish at all of my other subjects, but PE I passed with good marks. I’d always win awards at school sports competitions too.

I wasn’t as academic as my classmates and I never liked sitting down in a classroom. I can’t sit for hours studying – I like being active! I wasn’t really good at school tests. I hate exams and have crazy anxiety over them. I would walk into an exam, forget everything, walk out and feel terrible, but with PT – something I’m passionate about – it’s different.

I passed my first year Fitness Training Academy exams first time! I really revised and tried my hardest. I expected to fail, but when I passed, I was so excited and happy. This achievement has motivated me to power through to Level 3, which is a big jump.

FTA course content is “nicely balanced”

When I finished secondary school, I was stuck for what to do. I needed a job that I would enjoy and would earn me money. My mum and I decided on a Personal Training course. She found the Fitness Training Academy and I went to the interview. I was so nervous, but when I got in, I was so happy.

What I like about this course is the mix of practical (physical) and theory. It’s nicely balanced, whereas at school, I felt the workload was just too big. The FTA course content is way more balanced, which makes me feel calm. I’m satisfied with how everything is going.

“I’m doing what I love”

I’ve really enjoyed the physical side of the course. I’m also a ‘people person’ and like connecting with others and working out with them. It doesn’t feel like I’m at college – I’m doing what I love.

We’ve studied past exam papers, which has really helped me, but I’ve also learnt about discipline, structure and resilience. There is always a way to get through things.

The Fitness Training Academy is a different experience – it’s a new way of learning.

“I have the potential to do whatever I want”

Initially, I enrolled in the Fitness Training Academy because I needed job security, but it’s become so much more since starting the course.

Eventually, I want to work in a gym part-time and have my own clients. I want to continue my professional dancing on the side. I have the potential to do whatever I want.”

Aliesha Adia Brown will qualify as a Personal Trainer in June.

Next Course – September 2022

We’re currently recruiting for our next YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike, which will run in London, Leeds, Manchester, Doncaster, Norwich and Ipswich.

If you’re aged 16 to 18 and want to kick-start your fitness career with a free two-year government-funded, Ofsted regulated course, apply now.

Fitness is freedom

“When I was young, I was really, really short. I was bullied throughout my whole primary school years because of my height. When I reached Year 7, I was the shortest person in the whole school. I was 3’ 5”, but everyone else was 5’ 3”. I felt like I was in a group of really tall people and I didn’t feel like myself.

I was bullied so much, I stayed quiet – I didn’t want to interact with other people. I always felt they were judging me. When you’re around people who take the mick, it doesn’t help you mentally – it makes you beat yourself up. I used to think, ‘Why did I have to be so short? Why me?’ Although I was picked on in the classroom, PE was my escape. I developed a passion for rugby, karate and gymnastics.

When we played ‘bulldog’ outside, I ran away from everyone. It was my way of letting out my anger. I had two hours of freedom every week to be myself and release my emotions. It was my break from this world.

Discovering Calisthenics 

When I got to secondary school, I didn’t want to be bullied again – that was the only thing on my mind. From the age of 12, I started doing sport where I could build muscle. I wanted to make myself less of a target. Although I was short, I could at least become muscular.

My Spanish Teacher introduced me to Calisthenics, which is similar to gymnastics. You basically train with your own body weight using pull ups, dips and push ups, etc, rather than using external weights. I was afraid of using free weights in case they stunted my growth.

As my training continued, I managed to avoid being bullied in secondary school and became more popular. Calisthenics saved me from being someone I didn’t want to be. My Spanish teacher gave me hope that no matter what, there is always something that I can do to change the situation I’m in. Now I’m 5’4” and known as the kid who can do ‘cool bar stuff.’

Finding the Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike

I’ve always had a passion for sport and science – I love everything about the human body. I didn’t do A Levels, I did a medical course at college instead – a Level 3 BTEC in Science. I thought I’d be an Orthopaedic Surgeon, but I didn’t enjoy the course. The harder I worked, the more I realised it just wasn’t for me.

My mum didn’t want me to leave the course, but I was thinking more about other people rather than what I wanted to do. When I did leave, my only income was from a part time cleaning job. I didn’t have any qualifications or a proper job. I told my mum that I really wanted to be a Personal Trainer and do something around sports, because that’s where I can really be myself.  I needed to be a PT not just for money, but for me.

My mum looked for PT courses, but they were like £2,000, £3,000 and I simply didn’t have the money. Then she saw the Fitness Training Academy – powered by Nike online – a free two year PT course for 16 to 18 year olds. I was the first person to turn up for my interview! I couldn’t wait to start!

“My two passions have converged into one”

“The FTA course is just as good as I expected it to be. I enjoy everything about it. We recently studied anatomy – it’s like sports and science coming together. I love it! My two passions have converged into one. It’s amazing! Ula is a really good teacher. I can’t wait to get through all of the material.”

“I’m even enjoying the free weights now! It’s a new opportunity. If I’m going to be short, so be it. Playing sports, learning sports and training people with sports is my passion, so there’s no point worrying about free weights. I’m happy with my height now regardless, but if I grow, I grow.”

Be true to yourself

“When I started the course, I thought I would be back in a school environment where I would be anxious and everyone would start judging me, but it’s really not like that. The FTA is a very welcoming community and I’ve really grown as a person.

If sport is your passion and you’ve got the opportunity to do a free government funded course, powered by Nike, do it! You will enjoy it. If you’re sitting at home not doing anything, find some motivation, get up and do something. There’s more to life than Fortnite!”

Goku Nsudoh-Parish is a first year Fitness Training Academy student.

In Oct 2019, Goku won first place in the Calisthenics SK BARS Championships in Madrid.

Next Course – September 2022

We’re currently recruiting for our next YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike, which will run in London, Leeds, Manchester, Doncaster, Norwich and Ipswich.

If you’re aged 16 to 18 and want to kick-start your fitness career with a free two-year government-funded, Ofsted regulated course, you can find out more here.