Putting learning into practice: Emilio's work placement at thePoint4

Emilio is studying the Y Awards: Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity. This is a foundation course designed to build confidence, knowledge and basic practical skills in fitness and healthy living, and to act as a stepping stone into further training or a career in the fitness industry.
The course is very practical and gives students the experience of running the student gym, with responsibilities that include meeting and greeting clients, setting up and taking down fitness classes, structuring fitness sessions, understanding the components of warming up and cooling down, programme design, and cleaning and maintenance.

Alongside this, the course helps students gain an understanding of the fitness industry through learning about basic anatomy and physiology, healthy eating, CV writing, interview preparation and developing self-confidence and employability skills.

As part of their studies, students are also offered a 30 hour work placement within the College’s public leisure centre, thePoint4.

thePoint4 is a fully accessible, international standard fitness and leisure centre. It is open to the local community, with members attending exercise classes and making use of the gym, sports hall and 4G pitch facilities. While students can use these facilities themselves, they also provide valuable opportunities for real world work experience across a range of roles.

Emilio’s placement role is that of a Trainee Recreation Attendant. This involves working as part of a team to ensure the smooth operation of the facility, setting up equipment for events and activities in line with health and safety regulations, maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, assisting customers with enquiries in a friendly and effective manner, and ensuring that equipment is maintained, stored safely and any defects are reported appropriately. Emilio has been completing a two hour placement one evening a week and has been working alongside the recreation attendant team, particularly Grace and Callum.

During his placement, Emilio has been involved in keeping the changing rooms clean and tidy by vacuuming, mopping, cleaning, and locker checking, as well as helping to set up and put away equipment for activities. He has embraced the routine of a busy public leisure centre and is enjoying being part of the team.


Pictured: Emilio cleaning a mirror in the male changing rooms


Pictured: Emilio squeezes out the mop ready to give the men's changing room a thorough clean
 

Pictured: Emilio mopping the ladies changing room floor


Pictured: Emilio putting out a wet floor sign on his newly mopped floor
 

Pictured: Emilio in the spin studio manoeuvring one of the spin bikes
 
Emilio says the placement has been very positive for him. He has enjoyed experiencing a different environment to the student gym and feels that the role is helping him to grow in confidence, particularly around communication and being more sociable. He feels it is also improving his customer service and self-advocacy skills.

The placement also helps him to be organised and has helped him understand that working in the fitness industry can often involve unsociable hours. Emilio feels that the placement brings to life everything he is learning on the course.

He has received lots of positive feedback from members of thePoint4, many of whom have told him he is doing a great job. Recreation Attendant Grace commented, ‘He’s doing really well and has excellent mopping skills.’


Pictured: Emilio with Recreational Attendant Grace

Outside of College, Emilio is a keen golfer and has been playing since the age of 11. He is classified as B2 (partial sight) due to Cortical Visual Impairment, a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting visual information.

Blind golf involves a visually impaired golfer working alongside a sighted guide or caddy, following the same rules as sighted golfers with a few minor adjustments. Emilio hopes to one day play for Team GB and is looking to gain support from the charity England & Wales Blind Golf. He has already had the opportunity to play on some fantastic golf courses with his family, particularly in the Canary Islands.


Pictured: Emilio on the golf course

Emilio has also been exploring paracycling and has taken part in sessions at a velodrome during College holidays. Tandem cycling is due to restart at the College soon, and Emilio is looking forward to taking part as it will help him build his fitness and strengthen his legs.

Overall, Emilio’s work placement at thePoint4 has played an important role in developing his confidence, employability skills and understanding of the fitness and leisure industry.

For more details on our gym based courses click here.