Many people working in the fitness and recreation field in the Middle East move into management positions in fitness centres or health clubs without having the opportunity to obtain a vocational qualification in supervision or management.
Development courses have not been available locally and it has fallen to individuals to either carry on as best they can or return to their home country for training.
Now, the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) - one of the leading national professional bodies for sport and recreation management in the UK - has partnered with PRM International to offer two of its management courses for the first time in this region.
The courses are designed for people who are working in recreation and have supervisory/management responsibilities or would like to develop these skills.
For individuals, continuous professional development means employees not only enhance their professional status through a recognised qualification but also maximise their career opportunities, giving them the competence and confidence to excel in their work. Successful completion of some qualifications also leads to associate membership of the ISRM, providing new contacts in the leisure industry.
Organisations that take the time to ensure that their staff are fully trained to international standards demonstrate not only a commitment to building a highly professional management team but enhance the professional image of their facility on the global stage. Investing in the development of staff results in a motivated workforce which can play an active part in ‘the bigger picture', improving customer service and revenue generation.
ISRM Fitness Management Certificate
The Fitness Management Certificate (FMC) is an online course that is a recognised qualification within the health and fitness industry for staff at the initial management level. It is especially beneficial for those who have grown into the role of a gym duty supervisor/fitness instructor.
The course covers three main areas:
1) Design and technical - this covers the technical requirements associated with facility design, construction and operation, such as health and safety responsibilities and effective risk assessment.
2) Operations and management - this focuses on the evaluation of internal and external influences on the current and future market position of the fitness sector, effective marketing techniques to develop services to niche markets and the principles of financial management.
3) Management of systems, staff and customers - this raises awareness and understanding of effective customer recruitment and retention and its importance in maximising income generation within health and fitness facilities.
The course is delivered through 120 guided learning hours and is designed to be studied in a flexible way using comprehensive study materials, such as distance learning and internet-based interactive resources. All students have a personal tutor to whom they can refer and receive feedback on their assessed work.
Supervisory Management Certificate
The ISRM Supervisory Management Certificate (SMC) is designed for individuals who are currently in a supervisory role or for those who aspire to supervisory or management roles.
This course is delivered via three four-day modules, either as in-house training organised by a facility or by individuals enrolling on each module directly. Each module is assessed at the completion of the course by a combination of coursework and work-based assignments.
The modules are as follows:
1) Sport services operations - deals with the role of the duty officer; operational systems; maintenance and cleaning of buildings and equipment; and sport facility programming and development.
2) Employment practice - this focuses on staff management skills; the recruitment process; staff inductions and training.
3) Finance and administration - candidates will learn about the administrative structure of sport and recreation and the role of the duty officer; the decision making process; marketing, contract law and purchasing; funding and budgetary control.
