Health trainer

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Relevant courses include:

• improving the public's health
• nutrition for health
• personal training

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship scheme with an organisation that offers health support services, like the NHS. Schemes include:

• Community Sport and Health Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

With experience, you may be able to move on to a Public Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work in a related role, like pharmacy assistant, fitness trainer or community support adviser, and complete health and wellbeing qualifications whilst working.

Volunteering is a good way to get into this career. You can volunteer with local community groups, at health awareness events and get work experience in the NHS . This can help when it comes to applying for jobs or training.

You can also get advice about volunteering through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) .

You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you have:

• an understanding of community health and wellbeing issues
• good communication skills in English and, for some jobs, a second community language
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English

Qualifications or experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor or dietitian can also be helpful.

Career Tips

It's important when applying for jobs to have an awareness of risk factors to health and wellbeing, such as:

• smoking
• drug or alcohol consumption
• diet
• lack of exercise
• social isolation

Further Information

You can find out more about working as a health trainer from Health Careers .

As a health trainer, you could:

• work with people who've been referred and those who've come forward themselves
• speak with clients to learn about their situation and needs
• agree action plans with clients to help them improve their health and wellbeing
• support and motivate individuals to change harmful habits
• explain the benefits of healthier food and lifestyle choices
• introduce people to relevant local services
• work with individuals and run group sessions
• record activity levels and progress
• maintain close working relationships with community organisations

You could work in the community or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.