We’re re-imagining the training sector
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The landscape of learning is changing. Innovation makes this possible, but it also risks a race to the bottom, preventing learners from succeeding. This is where YMCA Awards next generation qualifications and learning materials come in.
Next generation qualifications include:
Next generation design principles
We’re re-imagining how we prepare the next generation of fitness instructors for the workplace. With each new qualification we develop, we’re applying five next generation design principles to empower learners to build strong links between knowledge and skills, better preparing them for the real world and supporting them into employment or to progress within their existing role.
Provide an engaging learner experience that reflects industry
Assessments for these qualifications have not changed much in our 25 years of awarding. However, feedback from training providers and employers suggested that some learners struggle to build connections between the knowledge assessments and the practical role they wish to enter on achievement.
Our next generation qualifications aim to assess learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours through activities learners will encounter in the workplace.
Provide flexible learning and assessment using technology
Delivery of training within the sector has changed following the Covid-19 pandemic. A greater proportion of learners are now looking for programmes that blend distanced/online learning with face-to-face delivery. This is partially evidenced by our shrinking market share as training providers shift to AOs that allow a greater degree of assessment by portfolio.
Our next generation qualifications aim to consider where technology can support learning and assessment, without negatively impacting the integrity of the qualifications.
Create impactful communicators
Analysis of job postings for fitness instructor and personal trainer roles identified a chasm between the number of employers looking for strong, enthusiastic communicators and the proportion of workforce profiles that included these skills.
Our next generation qualifications aim to provide learners with opportunities to build confidence, developing their own unique voice and style.
Clearly identify professional boundaries
Feedback from stakeholders on the current CIMSPA professional standards suggested qualifications could better support learners to identify their professional limitations and the extent of their personal scope of practice.
Our next generation qualifications aim to provide learners with opportunities to build confidence in risk stratification, supporting decisions to adapt, defer or refer.
Develop self-reliance and resilience
Feedback from stakeholders has suggested that learners struggle with the transition to newly qualified instructor.
Our next generation qualifications aim to support learners with this transition by providing opportunities to:
Re-imagining assessment
Everyone has a different learning style that works for them. The traditional assessment methods can act as barriers to some students and block them from performing to the best of their ability. We want to allow flexibility that reflects the neurodiversity of our learners and the sector they wish to work in.
Our next generation qualifications utilise a range of assessment methods to allow each learners to get creative and customise their learning experience to get the most out of their course. The added flexibility will also allow them to complete assessments that better reflect what they’ll do on the job versus in a classroom.
Next generation qualification assessment methods include:
Multiple choice and multiple response questions
Anatomy, physiology, and nutrition content will continue to be assessed through multiple choice and multiple response questions. However, through our partnership with Suada, learners can now complete these through the Suada app anywhere they have an internet connection. Learners need to achieve 100% to pass this assessment, but to support centres in understanding how their learners are getting on, tutors and assessments can now access data on progress and achievement in real time.
Presentation
Level 3 learners will need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the effects of exercise through a ‘teach back’ presentation. Learners can upload audio or audiovisual content to the Suada app and share with other learners and their tutor for feedback. Learners will need to demonstrate they’re able to present information accurately, clearly, and concisely. Employers tell us that communication is one of the weakest areas for existing exercise and fitness instructors, so we’re looking to build learners’ confidence early with this assessment! Full information on the requirements for these assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.
Short answer questions (worksheets)
Learners will fill in their learner assessment record with their responses to questions covering:
Full information on the requirements for these assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.
Information resources
This activity is again about building learners’ confidence in demonstrating their knowledge when communicating with clients. Learners will create information resources – in a format that is suitable to their audience – that could be used to promote their exercise and fitness business. Examples include posters, flyers, social media posts, and videos. These can be uploaded to the Suada app and shared with other learners and their tutor for feedback. Full information on the requirements for these assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.
Applied case studies
Learners will answer questions on three realistic case studies provided in the learner assessment record. These case studies are based on real people and are designed to support learners to apply their knowledge in a safe environment. This task is deliberately designed to encourage learners to conduct independent research, supporting them to consider appropriate sources of information whilst reinforcing the importance of working within their own scope of practice. Full information on the requirements for these assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.
Practical activities
Observation of practical skills remains a vital part of our next generation occupational entry qualifications with activities including:
However, we have updated our assessment requirements to better reflect current practice within the sector. For example, consultation and assessment of new clients, may take place virtually. In many cases, learners can record a video of their evidence for activities and upload it to the Suada app as a vlog of their progress against the assessment criteria. We’ve also provided options to streamline assessments where learners are completing multiple qualifications (e.g. Gym Instructing and Group Circuit Training). Full information on theour requirements for these practical assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.
Professional showcase
Following their practical assessment, Level 3 learners will share:
This presentation is designed to support learners to become reflective practitioners, highlighting their ability to adapt when things don’t go to plan. It’s also an opportunity to further develop their communication skills and confidence in their ability to succeed as a newly qualified personal trainer. Full information on the requirements for these is assessments can be found in the qualification specification and learner assessment record.