Health Trainer
What is the work like?
As a health trainer, you would advise people about healthier lifestyle choices in order to improve their general health and wellbeing.
Your work within the community could focus on issues such as:
- improving the amount of exercise people take
- the importance of practising safe sex
- helping people stop smoking
- the positive effects of lowering alcohol intake
- the benefits of breastfeeding
- improving access to healthy lifestyles in the communities with the greatest needs.
You would provide information and support to individuals on a one-to-one basis, and also to groups of people. You would encourage people to understand and adapt their behaviour towards their health, in ways that could include:
- helping people understand how their behaviour effects their health
- supporting and motivating them to change harmful habits
- explaining the benefits of healthier food choices
- helping people to find and use appropriate local services
- encouraging greater community integration and sense of togetherness
- recording activity levels and results and using these to motivate clients.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a health trainer, you will need:
- knowledge of the health needs facing the community you will be working with
- experience (paid or voluntary) of working with local community groups
- good communication skills in English (and for some jobs, a second community language).
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have qualifications or work experience in an area such as:
- personal training
- fitness instructing
- nutritional therapy or dietetics.
See the related job profiles for information about qualifications and training in these areas.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a health trainer, you will receive on-the-job training from your employer. This can vary depending on the focus of your duties, but will usually include:
- health and safety
- communication skills
- record-keeping
- time management.
You may be encouraged to study for a City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate for Health Trainers, which covers:
- building and maintaining good working relationships with communities
- health promotion and effective communication skills
- enabling individuals to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing.
You could also work towards NVQ levels 3 and 4 in Community Development Work.
Where can I go for more information?
Goldsmiths HouseBroad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Health trainers can earn between £14,437 and £17,257 a year.
- Senior health trainers and team leaders can earn between £19,700 and £25,000 a year.
Many health trainer jobs are offered on a part-time basis, so earnings would be a portion of full-time rates (known as 'pro rata' payment). This means that actual annual income may be less than above.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work between 16 and 30 hours a week, as part-time positions are more common than full-time. Your hours may occasionally include evenings or weekends, in order to run group workshops and meetings.
You would be mainly based in community settings, such as GP practices, community leisure centres and occasionally outdoors.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good understanding of the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices
- the ability to motivate others and inspire trust
- an awareness of the health needs of the local community
- enthusiasm for your subject
- the ability to keep up to date with developments in health advice
- excellent communication and listening skills
- the ability to form good working relationships with outside organisations
- good organisational and planning skills
- good time management
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
You would find most job opportunities with local NHS primary care trusts (PCTs), and some with local authorities. For job vacancies you should contact your local PCT, and check the local and national press, and the NHS Jobs website.
With experience you could progress to senior health improvement specialist or move into related careers in health promotion or community development.
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