Starting out in the Fitness Industry


Here are some tips to help promote your skills and knowledge and improve your chances of getting hired!

For graduates…

Exercise science degrees are very broad which means you graduate with lots of different skills. For example, taking blood pressure; assessing strength, cardiovascular fitness and body composition; prescribing exercise for endurance or hypertrophy; and applying exercise adherence strategies… the list goes on! 

YOU know this, but some employers may not! You might experience a few barriers to getting your foot in the door, so we’ve developed some tips to help you.

Tip #1: When you are asked for a Cert IV in Fitness
  • Firstly, understand that employers may have policies that are specific to who they hire. They can set their own rules.
  • A Cert IV in Fitness is a common qualification for working in the fitness industry and typically the minimum requirement. A degree in exercise science is a higher qualification and therefore you exceed the minimum standards to assess exercise capacity and prescribe exercise to ‘healthy populations’ both 1:1 and groups.

Tip #2: When you are asked if you are registered with Fitness Australia
  • Some employers may require registration with a professional body such as Fitness Australia. It is worth seeking clarification so you can understand why they require it (e.g. for insurance, for ongoing continuing professional development, etc.).
  • You do not need to join a professional association to get insurance. Anyone can apply for insurance and the type of policy will depend on your qualifications. It is common that joining a professional association may provide you with a discount on insurance. For example, ESSA members have an opportunity to take out a tailored, discounted insurance policy with Guild Insurance for their specific membership/accreditation type.
  • You can tell employers that you are member of ESSA and are bound by a code of professional conduct and ethical practice. If you are accredited, you can explain that you are required to meet annual compliance requirements including professional indemnity insurance and continuing professional development (20 CPD points per year).

Helpful Resources:

Click here to download a letter (or email) template when contacting a gym/fitness centre.
 


Further Information:

Fitness Australia Code of Practice for information about qualifications and registration with a reputable registration body (see page 6, Dealing with Personnel). 
Future Workforce Report for information about trends in the fitness industry. 
Fitness Industry Award 2010 for information about pay and working conditions. 


Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact ESSA to speak to an advisor. Ph. (07) 3171 3335.