Dr Joe Ching Assistant Professor Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education

Physical fitness is not just about personal vanity. It has long been recognized as an excellent antidote to the stress associated with modern day life, and people in Hong Kong are taking it more and more seriously. One only has to walk through the streets of Central to see evidence of this, where gyms and yoga studios are opening up on every corner. But jumping on a treadmill or stairmaster no longer seems enough for many, and the demand for customized exercise regimes courtesy of a personal trainer has risen accordingly. And with this comes new opportunities for career development for school leavers. A plethora of programs are available to qualify as a personal trainer but perhaps the most comprehensive is about to be launched.

The Certificate in Physical Fitness for Personal Trainers is a new course being conducted by the Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE). The Institute provides educational opportunities to the public for self-improvement and career advancement, and is linked to the Open University of Hong Kong. LiPACE has built up strong relationships both with local employers and overseas education institutions.

The Certificate is the brainchild of Dr Joe Ching, Assistant Professor at LiPACE, who is also the Coaching Education Advisor of the Hong Kong China Body-Building Association. Dr Ching recognized the need for a course that bridges the gap between standard programs that allow graduates to work in a physical fitness center and the next level, which is a degree in sports science. He says: "People complain the existing qualifications are not enough. They want the course to provide a pathway for further study and career advancement."

But what makes the Certificate different from traditional qualifications? Dr Ching explains: "The Hong Kong government stipulates that in order to work as a personal trainer in a gym, the student must first complete a basic fitness examination and 35 hours of theory and practical sessions on coaching skills and physical fitness safety. Following this, a further 30 hours of practice must be completed in a gym and a report submitted covering teaching requirements. This is where most courses leave off."

"Our new Certificate is a flexible, part-time modular program comprising of five courses with a total duration of 111 contact hours. This features an impressive 90 hours of theory. To enhance the learning experience of students, the programme will be taught using an interactive form of presentation and discussion, and where appropriate lectures, video demonstrations and real-life examples will be used. In addition, five three-hour practical sessions will be arranged to enhance coaching and practical skills. Following this there will be six hours of examinations."

But that's not all the program offers. In addition to this, students can opt to take the following language programs: Advanced Certificate in Practical English or Elementary Practical Putonghua in order to improve their proficiency in these subjects. Both courses are reimbursable under the Government Continuing Education Fund. Students can claim the program fee back once they have completed the course and passed the benchmark examinations. This grants them a great deal more than simply the opportunity to work in China or overseas. Successful graduates who have attained a certain level of skill in English can apply to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science with affiliated overseas institutions in places such as Australia.

Dr Ching believes the certificate marks a turning point in the way Hong Kong looks at education for personal trainers. He says: "In terms of career development, the course provides an excellent opportunity for young people who have an interest in physical fitness but don't wish to limit their capabilities to simply being a trainer. It forms a gateway to a wide variety of avenues and is an excellent stepping-stone to degree-level education, which is essential should they wish to pursue a career as a health club or hotel recreation manager. Salaries are obviously more attractive at this level."

LiPACE is planning on running three courses a year beginning in February, June and October. However, the inaugural program is currently scheduled for a slightly later November start. No more than 40 students will be enrolled for each class, and more than one class will be scheduled to accommodate demand if necessary.

To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must be aged 18 or above, and have attained five passes in the HKCEE or its equivalent. Successful graduates of the government supported Project Springboard program will also be considered. Mature applicants aged 21 or above must have one year working experience. Priority may be given to those currently working in physical fitness centers or related fields.

Alternatively, the course can be accessed via the Hong Kong China Body-Building Association. Students who have completed the first two training courses with the association can transfer onto the LiPace course with ease.

Those interested in learning more about the Certificate in Physical Fitness for Personal Trainers can attend a seminar being held at LiPACE on 5 October. Call 3120 9940 for details.

Taken from Career Times 2002/10/04