Training provider Premier Global NASM and budget operator Pure Gym have partnered to launch a national Personal Trainer Career Experience.

The new service will offer students working towards their PT certification a chance to understand and experience the role of a personal trainer, with practical experience and bespoke advice from the UK’s largest gym chain.

Before the end of the first two weeks of study towards their qualification, students opting-in to the Career Experience receive an introductory call from the gym manager at the Pure Gym site they pre-selected.

The initial contact is a chance for both parties to get to know each other. The student can then ask questions, while the gym manager is able to learn about the student’s motivations and career aspirations – ensuring any advice and practical experience provided is tailored to support these.

Once the student has completed Level 2 certification, qualifying them as a gym instructor, they are invited into the gym for some club experience to gain insight into the daily operation of a gym floor.

"It is no secret that attracting and retaining personal trainers remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges,’ said Jason Hussain, employer engagement manager, Premier Global NASM.

"We identified a need to create a learning environment where students can place their study content into the context of real life.

"This means that when they arrive on the gym floor as a qualified PT, they are more prepared for the task ahead and also have an understanding of the peripheral skills they need to succeed.

"Our objective is always to deliver an aspirational learning experience that produces the most job-ready and highly regarded professionals in the industry, equipped to develop rewarding and financially sustainable careers.

"This innovative Career Experience, developed in partnership with the team at Pure Gym, adds a new and valuable dimension to the learning journey, creating a unique opportunity for the student to engage with the sector’s largest fitness chain, even before they qualify.

"While there is no obligation on either side to formalise a relationship post qualification, the connection strengthens the opportunity to facilitate this should both parties wish.”

Rebecca Passmore, COO at Pure Gym, added: “Pairing actual ‘on the floor’ experience with more traditional training methods helps to bring the role to life.

"As students approach the end of their training with Premier Global NASM, they are offered a meeting with a Pure Gym Manager with the Gym Manager at their chosen Pure Gym site. This Career Experience is not just about enhancing the learning experience. It is also about creating a career pathway for fitness professionals that will help us attract and retain talent.”

So far, more than 330 students have enrolled on the service and are now benefiting from a direct and connection with Pure Gym as they work towards their Level 3 Personal Trainer certification.

The Career Service is an extension of the existing partnership between Pure Gym and Premier Global NASM, launched earlier this year, which provides Pure Gym PTs with exclusive discounts on continual professional development (CPD) modules and the opportunity for Premier Global NASM to promote its training to Pure Gym members.