press release: Active IQ
Gold company profile | Active IQ
PRESS RELEASE
New technical qualifications from Active IQ reinforce commitment to future-proofing fitness sector
09 Jul 2024
Jenny Patrickson, Managing Director at Active IQ / Active IQ
• Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training
• Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy
• Level 3 Technical Specialist in Optimising Training for the Ageing Client
• Level 3 Technical Specialist in Adapting Physical Activity for Antenatal and Postnatal Clients
The Department of Education’s approval and funding of these brand-new courses reflect Active IQ’s ongoing commitment to delivering qualifications that meet the dynamic needs of the fitness industry, while maintaining the highest educational standards.
The development of these qualifications is crucial for addressing growing needs within the industry and the changing profile of the population. The number of people aged 60 or over is expected to pass the 20 million mark by 2030[1]. In addition, recent statistics show that 64% of pregnant women or women with children under one year have experienced nervousness or anxiety related to physical activity.[2] These areas require specialised skills to ensure that professionals are well-equipped to provide essential and tailored services.
The funding approved by the Department of Education showcases the importance of these qualifications in fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, recognising the need for industry-relevant training that supports both current demands and future trends within the fitness industry.
Active IQ’s robust Employer Engagement Strategy has been instrumental to the ongoing development and review of their qualifications and a key driver for the introduction of the new technical qualifications. Through a variety of channels, Active IQ is consistently gathering valuable feedback and insights from industry stakeholders, ensuring that qualifications are not only current but aligned with the evolving nature of the fitness sector.
“Collaborating with Active IQ on these qualification reforms has been a truly insightful process and has given us more of an appreciation and understanding of what’s involved when it comes to developing or reforming qualifications,” explains Aaron McCulloch, Co-Owner and Director at Your Personal Training. “Their commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders is second to none and has been a key factor in ensuring the qualifications meet the real-world needs of the fitness sector. We are proud to be involved in shaping these programs, which will undoubtedly equip future fitness professionals with the essential skills to thrive and adapt in our ever-evolving industry.”
“Our industry is constantly evolving and adapting, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our qualifications are forward-thinking to anticipate the skills and knowledge that will be in demand,” explains Jenny Patrickson, Managing Director at Active IQ. “We are always talking with employers and professionals in the industry which has allowed us to create qualifications that exceed industry standards, and we believe these new qualifications will equip our learners with the essential tools they need to succeed in their careers."
Lee Buck, Head of Product Development at Active IQ, adds: “These new qualifications we’ve introduced are a testament to the valuable insights we receive from the industry. This collaborative approach was instrumental in securing funding and approval from the Department for Education and their support underscores the relevance of our qualifications in preparing a skilled workforce for the evolving fitness landscape."
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consultancy, advisory and non-executive director roles.
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Active IQ
Tel: 01480 467950
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Q6 Quorum Park,
Benton Lane,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE12 8BT,
UK

Jenny Patrickson, managing director

Active IQ video gallery:
Key personnel
Jenny Patrickson, managing director
Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Key customers
We work with over 500 approved centres in the UK and globally, including private training providers, colleges, employers, leisure service providers, universities, colleges, schools, nursery settings, prisons, young offender institutes and international centres.
Plans for the next 12 months
Active IQ has been actively engaging
with employers over the past 18
months to develop new and updated
qualifications for the upcoming year. We are tremendously excited to
launch these, which include innovative
assessments and digitally advanced
content.
Furthermore, Active IQ is continuing its expansion in international markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia following our success as growing market leaders in the UAE.
We will maintain our presence at leading industry events both in the UK and overseas to connect and engage with key stakeholders and to discuss quality education for the active leisure and wellness sector.
Furthermore, Active IQ is continuing its expansion in international markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia following our success as growing market leaders in the UAE.
We will maintain our presence at leading industry events both in the UK and overseas to connect and engage with key stakeholders and to discuss quality education for the active leisure and wellness sector.
Testimonial
"Success isn't just about reaching a destination, it's about embracing the journey and committing to growth every step of the way. At Study Active, we understand that providing exceptional learning experiences means partnering with those who share our values of innovation and quality. That's why we chose to team up with Active IQ - they're not only a modern and flexible partner, but they're also dedicated to helping us provide the best resources and support to our students. Utilizing their business insights into trends and demands, we can ensure that we're providing what our students need to succeed. From webinars to e-clinics, we're able to onboard tutors more efficiently and offer a plethora of additional courses to help our students and teachers alike reach their full potential.”
– Study Active
– Study Active
Testimonial
“The quality of Active IQ’s provision is excellent and I consider them a trusted provider. The business development team was very supportive of my idea to focus this training on students. After excellent feedback from a couple of staff colleagues, I decided to pilot the Level 2 in Mental Health Awareness with a cohort of 308 students. It proved so successful that we are now rolling it out across our entire student body by incorporating it into the curriculum.
“Mental health issues among students are not going away anytime soon. If anything, they could become worse for those students who have had no exams and lack experience in managing the stress and pressure of these. Young adults need all the help they can get to support their mental health as they study and prepare to start work.
“I would strongly recommend other colleges to look at the Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness. It stands apart from the majority of qualifications that comprise off-the-shelf generic materials. This qualification captures the imagination of the learners and makes the topic relevant. It has had a significant impact on a lot of our students and we are now rolling it out across the entire college as we believe everyone can gain from having these skills and knowledge.”
– Mike Ridley, head of department - General Further Education, Bishop Burton College
“Mental health issues among students are not going away anytime soon. If anything, they could become worse for those students who have had no exams and lack experience in managing the stress and pressure of these. Young adults need all the help they can get to support their mental health as they study and prepare to start work.
“I would strongly recommend other colleges to look at the Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness. It stands apart from the majority of qualifications that comprise off-the-shelf generic materials. This qualification captures the imagination of the learners and makes the topic relevant. It has had a significant impact on a lot of our students and we are now rolling it out across the entire college as we believe everyone can gain from having these skills and knowledge.”
– Mike Ridley, head of department - General Further Education, Bishop Burton College
Testimonial
"I am extremely pleased with the level of service Active IQ has provided me, and the apprentices on the Teaching Assistant Standard and Early Years Educator Standard. The team provided us with “how to guides” which were extremely helpful to enrol learners on EPA Pro and upload evidence of work to present apprentices to gateway. Using the guides, and guidance from Active IQ staff I was easily able to present learners to gateway and observe their status throughout the EPA process.
"I am particularly impressed with the support End-point Assessors provided for the apprentices as some were nervous about the process and assessment. The assessors spent time to introduce themselves, talk through the End-point Assessment requirements, and successfully booked a convenient day and time for the EPA to take place. Each assessment was booked promptly and within a week or two of me presenting learners to gateway – an incredible turn around!"
– Jennifer Walker, curriculum leader early years, Education and Social Sciences, Bolton College
"I am particularly impressed with the support End-point Assessors provided for the apprentices as some were nervous about the process and assessment. The assessors spent time to introduce themselves, talk through the End-point Assessment requirements, and successfully booked a convenient day and time for the EPA to take place. Each assessment was booked promptly and within a week or two of me presenting learners to gateway – an incredible turn around!"
– Jennifer Walker, curriculum leader early years, Education and Social Sciences, Bolton College
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