Delivering training for the next generation of active leisure workers is a great responsibility. Choosing which awarding organisation to go with can play a significant role in the learner's levels of success, and in turn, yours too. Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) has been setting the highest of standards for a number of years and continues to grow.

The future is unpredictable but you learn from experience. With more than 400,000 certificates awarded, CYQ has been at the forefront of developing new generations of teachers, instructors and trainers for more than 15 years. From schools and colleges to universities and private providers, CYQ’s host of learning pathways are the number one choice for setting learners on the right track for a bright future.

Established in 1998, CYQ is one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for physical activity, fitness and wellbeing qualifications. It develops and awards a diverse suite of qualifications delivered through a range of training providers across the UK and internationally. A highly respected name amongst industry experts, employers and learners, CYQ has supported more than 200,000 people to launch or progress their careers within the industry.

Renowned for excellent levels of customer care and quality of service, CYQ always operates with centres’ interest at heart. Proof, if needed, comes in the form of its most recent centre survey, which indicated that 95 percent of centres would recommend CYQ to another training provider.

“CYQ makes it's courses so much easier to run compared to others” said Jon Brazier, course director at City and Islington College. “The high quality manuals and workbooks help the students and tutors massively”.

With more than 70 qualifications available, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4, everyone - from those taking their first steps in the industry all the way through to established professionals - has a route for progression with a CYQ qualification.

Study Programmes

With such a wealth of experience, it could be easy to rest on your laurels. This is most definitely not the case at CYQ. Being ready to react to changes in the priorities of government, centres and learners is at the very forefront of its success – epitomised by the recent launch of its new Study Programmes.

The introduction of the raising the participation age (RPA) policy means that 16-year-olds will be required to participate in education until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17. From 2015, 17-year-olds will be required to participate in education until the end of the academic year in which they turn 18.

All learners in full or part-time education aged 16-19 are expected to follow a study programme tailored to their individual needs, education and employment goals - including learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

CYQ is on hand and ready to help as the study programme forms one of the ways in which learners will be able to continue to participate in education. The qualifications aim to challenge and motivate learners and allow for progression to higher levels of education, or to skilled employment within the active leisure sector. All centres will be supported through the delivery of their qualifications with creative teaching and learner resources and innovative eLearning packages. 

All packages comprise the key components of the study programme, including:

- stretching and challenging qualification(s)

- extremely detailed qualification(s)

- English and mathematics functional skills

- a free additional qualification to support the main programme.

Centres are also welcome to deliver any of the qualifications included separately to form part of their own study programmes.

Apprenticeships

The government committed to providing an additional £40m for 20,000 more new apprenticeship starts over the 2013/14 and 2014/15 academic years in the 2013 Autumn Statement.

CYQ is once again ready and willing to support this target by offering apprenticeship framework packages and supporting resources that meet the requirements of the Active Leisure Learning Apprenticeship Framework at Level 2 and Level 3. These include:

- intermediate instructing exercise and fitness

- intermediate activity leadership

- intermediate leisure operations

- advanced fitness

- advanced leisure management.

With options available to challenge learners new to the industry as well as those looking to boost their careers, this exciting addition to CYQ’s provision will further nurture the calibre of employees in facilities across the UK.

All of CYQ’s apprenticeship packages include the requisite components of the apprenticeship frameworks, which are set out in the Specifications of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE).

These include:

- competency-based qualification

- knowledge-based qualification

- employee rights and responsibilities

- functional skills

- personal learning and thinking skills

Functional skills provide apprentices with the practical skills required in everyday life, education and the workplace. They cover English, maths and information and communication technology and supplement the vocational component of an apprenticeship, helping apprentices to grow in confidence and maximise their future training and employment prospects.

CYQ has teamed up with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to deliver the functional skills element of the apprenticeships frameworks. SQA is an experienced awarding organisation with a global reputation for quality and service.

The apprenticeship packages also include the Level 2 and Level 3 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning. Two outstanding eLearning products have been developed for learners to get the very most out of these qualifications. They reflect what learners entering the world of work will need to know in order to maximise their effectiveness as an employee, as well as giving an understanding of the wider context of the active leisure and learning sector. With a host of interactive quizzes, accessible product design, videos and careers advice - including leading industry figures - this resource is the perfect platform to support the development of a successful career in the active leisure industry.

Exceeding expectations

In addition to the trusted service guaranteed by CYQ, a range of supplementary benefits are also on offer, adding exceptional value for centres.

Amanda Parker, a PE teacher at Collingwood College said “The range of qualifications on offer will suit any type of centre. The staff are friendly and professional and offer a quality service. I have been running a CYQ course for a number of years and I can only feedback with positive comments.”

Choose CYQ and benefit from: CYQ’s website

- all-inclusive apprenticeship packages

- first-class centre training and support

- creative supporting tutor, assessor and quality assurer resources

- innovative learner resources, including industry-leading eLearning

Whether you’re already working with CYQ or considering becoming an approved centre, our dedicated business development and approvals team is on hand to get your centre up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. CYQ works successfully with centres from a number of areas including colleges, universities and private training providers. Your centre could be the next to benefit from such a wonderful service and outstanding offering.

Contact Lori Randall or Alex Carr if you’d like to discuss delivering CYQ qualifications or for further information, visit CYQ's website or call 020 7343 1800.