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Health trainer

Alternative titles for this job include Health and wellbeing coach

Health trainers encourage healthier lifestyle choices and support people who want to improve their wellbeing.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

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:

  • improving the public's health
  • nutrition for health
  • personal training

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship scheme with an organisation that offers health support services, like the NHS. Schemes include:

  • Community Sport and Health Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

With experience, you may be able to move on to a Public Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Work

You could work in a related role, like pharmacy assistant, fitness trainer or community support adviser, and complete health and wellbeing qualifications whilst working.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a good way to get into this career. You can volunteer with local community groups, at health awareness events and get work experience in the NHS. This can help when it comes to applying for jobs or training.

You can also get advice about volunteering through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Direct Application

You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you have:

  • an understanding of community health and wellbeing issues
  • good communication skills in English and, for some jobs, a second community language
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English

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

More Information

Career tips

It's important when applying for jobs to have an awareness of risk factors to health and wellbeing, such as:

  • smoking
  • drug or alcohol consumption
  • diet
  • lack of exercise
  • social isolation

Further information

You can find out more about working as a health trainer from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to create personalised support plans and chart progress
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • administration skills
  • leadership skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a health trainer, you could:

  • work with people who've been referred and those who've come forward themselves
  • speak with clients to learn about their situation and needs
  • agree action plans with clients to help them improve their health and wellbeing
  • support and motivate individuals to change harmful habits
  • explain the benefits of healthier food and lifestyle choices
  • introduce people to relevant local services
  • work with individuals and run group sessions
  • record activity levels and progress
  • maintain close working relationships with community organisations

Working environment

You could work in the community or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team supervisor or senior health improvement specialist.

You could move into related jobs, such as:

You could also use your skills and knowledge to work self-employed as a health and wellbeing consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Padel Engagement Officer Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,741 to £22,222.20 a year Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Nutrition & Health Award L1

  • Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 April 2026
  • Location: Hereford

Food Science and Nutrition

  • Provider: THE THOMAS HARDYE SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Dorchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

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