Gym to help get college students fit for work
STUDENTS are to receive a work experience and fitness boost from a local gym.
Forever Strong-Fitness and Performance have entered a partnership with Hopwood Hall College in a bid to boost the prospects of students looking to enter the training and fitness industry.
Students studying at Hopwood Hall College’s Fitness Academy will be given work experience opportunities at one of Rochdale’s most popular fitness centres.
There is also the possibility of students who excel on placements to be given employment opportunities when they finish. The partnership with the Kenion Roadbased gym has already paid off for some.
Students Shannon Wilson, Matthew Royster and Callum Angus have all gained employment as personal trainers delivering special programmes developed while on placement at the gym.
Gary Rothwell, owner of Forever-Strong Fitness and Performance, emphasised his belief in helping young people enter the fitness industry.
He said: “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for young professionals to gain employment within their chosen field these days, especially following qualification as employers are looking for experience.
“I’m a big believer in the enthusiasm, desire, drive and hunger that a young, newly qualified Personal Trainer brings.
“It’s our aim at Forever-Strong to provide the perfect opportunities to the right individuals and allow them to blossom under the guidance and expertise of our senior coaches.” ●●At the Forever Strong Fitness and Performance gym are, from left, Miles Greenwood, Gary Rothwell, Matthew Royster, Shannon WIlson, Callum Angus and Mike Bruns
Gary says that the new partnership will be beneficial to both the gym and Hopwood Hall.
He said: “We are very much looking forward to this opportunity and the experience it will bring, to both ourselves and the trainees of Hopwood Hall College.”
Mike Bruns, programme manager of hopwood hall college’s Fitness Academy, described the value he sees in local organisations banding together. He said: “In the objective of bettering the prospects of young adults in the local area, it’s crucial that people like Gary are willing to collaborate.
“There are benefits on either side of the partnership, our Fitness Academy saw 70 percent of students find industry-relevant employment straight after completing their course and that is in part to the development between Hopwood Hall College and the community.”