Health trainer

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Award in Improving the Public's Health
• Level 2 Award in Nutrition for Health

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can work towards this role by doing a community sport and health officer advanced apprenticeship. You may be able to move on to a public health practitioner 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can get into this job through voluntary experience with local community groups.

You can contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust for advice on voluntary opportunities.

You can also contact the National Council for Voluntary Organisations about work placements.

You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you've got:

• an understanding of the health issues facing the community
• good communication skills in English and, for some jobs, a second community language
• some GCSEs, including English

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

Further information

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

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• administration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• introduce people to relevant local services
• help people understand how their behaviour affects their health
• support and motivate individuals to change harmful habits
• explain the benefits of healthier food and lifestyle choices
• record activity levels and results, and use these to motivate clients

You could work in an office or in the community.