Health trainer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

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

• Level 2 Award in Improving the Public's Health
• Level 2 Award in Nutrition for Health

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

The following advanced apprenticeships may help you get into this role:

• Community sport and health officer
• Community health and wellbeing worker

You may be able to move on to a Public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Work

It may be possible to train as a health trainer if you are already working in a related role such as pharmacy assistant or in a leisure centre.

Volunteering

You can get some of the skills and experience you need for this job through voluntary experience with local community groups.

You can get advice about work experience in the NHS before applying for jobs or training.

You can also contact The National Council for Voluntary Organisations about work placements.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you've got:

• an understanding of the health issues facing the community
• good communication skills in English and, for some jobs, a second community language
• some GCSEs, including English

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• administration skills
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to enjoy working with other people
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of media production and communication
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Health trainers promote healthy living and help people make healthier lifestyle choices.

In your day-to-day duties you might:

• introduce people to relevant local services
• help people understand how their behaviour affects their health
• support and motivate individuals to change harmful habits
• explain the benefits of healthier food and lifestyle choices
• record activity levels and results, and use these to motivate clients
• keep up to date with what services are available locally
• work with individuals or with larger groups

Location : You could work in an office or in the community.

Salary:

Starter : £18,700
Experienced : £28,500

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to team supervisor, or senior health improvement specialist.

You could also move into related careers in health promotion or community development.