Discovery Learning sent in the following case study to Civvy Street to help explain what they can offer today’s Service-leavers.
Name: Graham Pardew
Course Title: Master Personal Trainer Diploma (Special Populations).
Training Provider: Discovery Learning
Can you tell us a little about your Military background (what outfit,tours, highpoints etc)?
I have been in the Armed Forces for over 30 years and am due to retire in October 2012. My main highlights were receiving best graduate at the end of my Royal Signals two year apprenticeship, being successful on my Yeoman of Signals course, and most importantly being commissioned as an Officer. I have enjoyed the numerous challenges and rewards of serving on arduous operational tours in the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
When you entered resettlement did you have a fixed idea of what you wanted to do when you left the Military?
Yes, I was clear that I wanted to do something that I enjoyed rather than sticking with communications, as I had throughout my time in the Army. Having been an athlete and enjoyed team sports and physical fitness all of my life, my aim was to become qualified and get employed in this area when I left the Armed Services.
Where did you find information about the different ELC scheme and the courses you could complete?
The ELC scheme is well advertised within the Armed Forces and the Personal Trainer course was clearly detailed in the course listing.
What attracted you to the course you have just completed?
My daughter had already completed the Level 3 PT course and recommended Discovery Learning to me. The main attraction was the depth of detail available that I’d need to obtain the necessary knowledge that I was lacking (eg: anatomy and physiology). The high standard of instruction and value for money were excellent.
What did the course involve and did you enjoy it?
The course involved both theory and practical, commencing with Gym Instruction Level 2, then personal training, ending with a 1 week module of GP Exercise Referral Module. I really enjoyed the course, because I was able to learn so much in a very short timeframe. The content of the course was ‘spot on’, and the professionalism and standard of the instructors was very high indeed. The instructors were able to explain the course to a wide variety of students. I most certainly left at the end of the course feeling fully qualified, and
more.
What was your favourite aspect of the course?
Although I really enjoyed the practical sessions, which I found more interesting (and enabled me to receive knowledge and skills from a variety of other students), my favourite aspect of the course was gaining knowledge of the ‘science’ behind exercise, fitness and
nutrition. This significantly improved my confidence of being able to deliver safe and effective physical exercise and answer any questions from clients at a satisfactory level.
How do you see this course benefiting you in your career development?
I aim to use my skills and qualifications in a local gym, to conduct personal training and establish a GP Exercise Referral Scheme in the vicinity of where I live.
Where do you see your career going in five years’ time?
I aim to establish my own fitness centre on my own or through a franchise. I plan to provide a facility for a wider range of clients, concentrating on specialist groups and those requiring exercise and fitness to improve their health.
More: www.discovery.uk.com/