How to become a health trainer
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:
- 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
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Apprenticeship
The following advanced apprenticeships may help you get into this role:
- Community sport and health officer
- Community health and wellbeing worker
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
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Work
It may be possible to train as a health trainer if you are already working in a related role such as pharmacy assistant or in a leisure centre.
Volunteering
You can get some of the skills and experience you need for 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.
Direct Application
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.
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Further information
You can find out more about working as a health trainer from Health Careers.