The New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS) in Christchurch has forged an industry partnership with CityFitness to develop the next generation of fitness professionals – combining quality education with industry experience.
The partnership enables Level 5 and 6 students to enter a 10-week programme at CityFitness – instilling them with the confidence, skillset, and industry experience to successfully transition into employment.
“At NZIS, we are passionate about supporting students to turn fitness into a career. Building transformative partnerships with industry leaders like CityFitness ensures students get the best possible industry training and employment outcomes,” says Peter Fraser, General Manager of NZIS.
As a result of the partnership, six NZIS graduates are now employed as personal trainers with CityFitness – including Rachel Russel and Alex Williamson who were made redundant during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.
Rachel started her placement with CityFitness in early 2021, coinciding with her graduation with a Level 5 Certificate in Exercise. Having found her love for fitness at 50 years old, Rachel has redefined herself with her education and training at NZIS.
“I’m a mother of two, so it was really hard being unemployed and being a student again, but the NZIS team were very supportive. I’m actually glad I was made redundant because I would never have realised I had it in me to be a personal trainer.”
Alex faced a similar reality. After working as a landscaper, he was made redundant which saw him retrain and build a career in fitness.
“With NZIS, I realised training people and making them feel good was what I wanted to do for a career.”
Mark Hurdle, National Director at CityFitness, says it has never been a better time to be a personal trainer.
“There's been tremendous growth in the fitness industry over the past 10 years, with an even greater peak in health and wellness interest since the COVID pandemic. A partnership with NZIS allows us to onboard top talent from across the country, to service our member’s needs.”
The partnership is currently exclusive to Christchurch and Wellington. CityFitness intakes for students in Wellington will begin in the coming months.
