Published at 15:52, Wednesday, 26 May 2010

THE first cohort of students on Lakes College’s physical activity and health foundation degree are nearing the end of their course.

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The three students – Leon Thompson, Simon Phillips and Naomi Buglass – make up the entire intake on the programme, which was brand new to the list of foundation degrees offered at the Lillyhall campus.

Starting in September 2008, the three embarked on a two-year course which would see them develop skills and expertise specifically tailored to the health industry.

The programme is split into two levels which means students can progress in steps through various levels on a full or part time basis. Later on in the course a research method module provides the opportunity to continue onto a sports and exercise degree at the University of Central Lancaster (UCLan) or a physical activity and health programme at the University of Cumbria.

Leon, 22, from Workington, has been a student at Lakes College for five years – he began on a level 2 course but was attracted to the content and learning focus of the foundation degree.

He said: “This course is not just about sport – it’s health orientated so we get to look at the likes of certain groups in society who have health issues and prescribe a regime of exercise and diet.

“It’s very science focused and during the course we have had to learn about the disciplines of physiology, psychology, nutrition and biomechanics.

“It’s a very practical course, though and me, Simon and Naomi have had the chance to work with West Cumbrian organisations to develop schemes based on their individual needs.

“It’s great for us because it means getting to put our training into practice and in a real life situation.

“The course is very broad and we have developed a wide expertise when it comes to dealing with the public’s health issues. Some of the modules include nutrition which would look at the problems faced by people who suffer from the likes of obesity, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

“We could be asked to consider the level of exercise for stroke victims or even the psychology behind exercise addiction. And with that comes the need to be able to communicate effectively with people and clients.”

Leon has various placement periods under his belt and has worked with groups and initiatives around the county. He spent 10 weeks with Carlisle-based childhood obesity programme MEND – there he worked with parents and children to develop methods to counteract the issues leading to obesity. He also spent time counselling parents.

“I love working with people, especially young people,” he said. “I spent some time coaching a group of young people who had been placed on the West Cumbrian NACRO programme. It was really rewarding. Another memorable placement for me was when I ran an activity class for disabled people.

“As part of my end-of-year project I started work with a particular client who has depression. I still work with them now and can continue to until they feel they don’t need to anymore. But since they have started working with me, their standard of life has improved so these projects are doing good and actually helping people’s lives.

“There are a few options open to me when I finish the course in a few weeks time, I could go to university in Lancaster and continue on with the third year of the degree course or I could start a personal trainer course. At the moment I’m keeping my options open.”

Naomi, 20, of St Bees, originally thought a career as an accountant was the one for her but she had always loved all things sport-related. She started at Lakes College a few years ago as part of a BTech course which was later postponed.

Consequently, a fitness instructor course ignited her imagination as to what career possibilities could be made available to her. She was told about the foundation degree course in physical activity and health by the college’s sport department.

She said: “The foundation degree has been a perfect option for me – it’s meant I can pursue a career in health and fitness which has all sorts of job opportunities and possibilities.

“I’ve enjoyed all aspects if the course and, apart from the obvious assignments that we’ve had to do, I can honestly say there hasn’t really been a topic during the two years that I haven’t enjoyed doing. It’s been a really good insight into the health industry and I’ve enjoyed generally learning everything on the course. It helps when you have great tutors supporting you, though.

“The fact there are only three of us on the course has meant we’ve got pretty much one-to-one learning and there has always been someone there for us if we’ve had a query about something or needed advice on a project or assignment.

“The course has really opened my eyes to all the different aspects that are involved in health and what’s needed to address a health issue with a client. It’s a full lifestyle change that’s needed. I realised this when I started working with a woman who had not long had a baby – it was part of my final project and I developed a full health programme for her that she is still involved with now.

“I will continue to work with her for as long as she feels she needs to.

“Now that we only have a few weeks left on the course we have to start and think about our next move. Moving to Lancaster for another year of university is probably not for me but I am interested in doing a personal trainer course which would make me qualified in exercise.”

Simon, 23, from Workington, was the first student on the foundation degree course. The former Stainburn School student has tried out other careers – including training to be a butcher – before eventually deciding the health industry was where he would end up.

“It’s quite a close group we have here and because of that and the small class size it’s been great studying here,” he said. “Sport was always an important thing for me when I was younger but when the time came for me to decide a career route I knew a specifically sport focussed one was going to be a little too specialist.

“I love the health side to this course, it’s very gym orientated with only about five per cent of it actually focussing on sport when we look at the endurance aspect of health.

“My favourite module is probably nutrition or anatomy and physiology, but the downside is sitting behind a computer typing up all your assignments. But when it comes to support, the department has been brilliant and the fact we have only three of us on the course is great too.

“Studying on the course has opened up loads of opportunities for all of us and there is the possibility that in a few weeks time I could be, as part of a placement, helping out with Whitehaven Rugby League’s junior team.

“I’ve also done projects as part of the course including working with someone who is obese. I started working with them before Christmas and I will do until they feel they don’t need my help anymore.

“We’ve also had to develop a 12-week health and fitness programme for a sports person which all helps to prepare you for what you may have to do when it comes to working in the industry.”

The future for Simon and his career includes the possibility of a personal trainer course in Manchester. As all three of the students work part time at the ActivZone gym at Lakes College, there is the chance a course in personal training could be part funded through the facility.

“I think you have to have pretty firm qualities for working in the health and fitness industry,” Simon said. “Most of all you need to be honest; you’re working with people who rely on your honesty.

“You also need to be a good listener with people rather than directing them too much to give them aims they feel they can reach. Common sense, open mindedness and confidence are also must-haves.”

Tutor Dan Anderton will become course leader in September and said the course is perfect for those looking for a career in the health industry. “We have the capabilities to cater for around 15 students on this course which means it’s a very personal learning environment here,” he said. “Next year will see us working more closely with the University of Cumbria to provide more opportunities in the industry for our students.

“But it’s important to understand that the course is not sports focussed; it’s all about health and with more of a spotlight on health now with the Olympics coming up, the Government is giving more and more to raise the awareness of the industry. All the course details are on the website but for people who are interested in applying, they need to have a genuine interest in health and fitness and some work experience in a gym, or with people who have health issues, would put them at a good advantage.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk