Teacher Training Courses

Develop your skills further and enhance your career.

YMCA Level 2 Award in Delivering Chair-Based Exercise (600/5924/2)

This qualification acknowledges that an individual has developed the skills, knowledge, and competence needed to work independently. It includes an understanding of the core values and principles of adult social care, as well as the ability to design and lead chair-based exercise sessions tailored to the needs of disabled adults or older individuals with reduced mobility.

Whilst there are no prerequisite for this course. A basic knowledge of how the body’s systems function (such as a Level 2 qualification in Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Fitness Instructors, or an equivalent) is recommended. This understanding may also be developed during the course alongside completion of the qualification.

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An elderly woman sits on a chair, lifting green dumbbells while smiling She exercises in a

Coming soon

YMCA Level 3 Award in Understanding Menopause and Interventions to Support Health and Wellbeing

The fundamentals of menopause and the implications for health and wellbeing

What will i learn?

The fundamentals of menopause and the implications for health and wellbeing

The effect of declining hormones on health and wellbeing for individuals transitioning through the menopause

Programming and adapting exercise to support management of menopause and menopause symptoms

Delivering exercise to support the management of menopause and menopause symptoms.

How will i learn?

Via online resources.

1 day teaching via zoom.

Student LAR.

How will i be assessed?

Professional Discussion with Tutor
Engage in a professional discussion with the tutor to explore the key principles and physiological changes associated with menopause.

Presentation on Menopause Fundamentals
Prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation outlining the impact of hormonal decline during menopause on an individual’s health and overall wellbeing. The presentation should cover both the physical and psychological effects, and highlight strategies to support individuals through this life stage.

Professional Discussion with Tutor
Participate in a reflective discussion with the tutor following the presentation to evaluate understanding and application of theory to practice.

Applied Case Studies
Analyse two provided client case studies. Examine how menopausal transition affects each client’s health, wellbeing, and fitness capacity. Develop appropriate recommendations based on individual needs.

Exercise Session and Progressive Programme Design
Design and plan an individual exercise session along with a 10-session progressive training programme tailored to support clients experiencing menopause. The programme should reflect safe, effective, and evidence-based approaches.

Professional Discussion
Hold a further professional discussion to review and justify the design and expected outcomes of the exercise programme.

Real Client Case Study
Conduct a full case study with a real client, including recorded consultation and assessment. Deliver sessions in a suitable exercise format—such as group exercise or Pilates—provided the appropriate qualifications are held. Reflect on client progress and outcomes throughout the process.

Who can apply?

Group exercise instructor
Gym instructor
Personal trainer
Pilates Instructors
Yoga

YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Older Adults

This qualification provides learners with the essential knowledge and understanding required to promote healthy ageing through physical activity and exercise. It focuses on developing the ability to encourage and support older adults in maintaining an active lifestyle while recognising the broader range of services that contribute to overall health and wellbeing in later life.

Learners will gain the skills to plan, deliver, and adapt exercise programmes that address the varied needs of older individuals — from those who are already fit and active to those beginning to experience changes or a gradual decline in their health status.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ageing process and its impact on the body, alongside strategies that promote healthy ageing.
Identify potential risks and contraindications associated with physical activity and exercise for older adults.
Gain knowledge of current best practice guidelines for safely and effectively delivering exercise and physical activity sessions to older participants.
Learn how to screen and assess older adults prior to engaging in physical activity to ensure suitability and safety.
Build the skills needed to plan and deliver personalised exercise programmes that meet the individual needs of older adults.
Evaluate and review exercise programmes, making appropriate adaptations to support continued progress and wellbeing.

How will i be assessed?

Knowledge questions.

Information resources.

Applied case study questions.

Case study and exercise programme (scenario-based)

Coming Soon
YMCA Level 3 Award in Education and Training (601/1846/5)

Qualification Overview

This qualification offers an initial introduction to the principles and practices of teaching. It is suitable for a wide range of trainee teachers and trainers, including:

Those not yet in a teaching or training role – completion of the qualification does not require practical teaching experience beyond microteaching, unless units from the Learning and Development pathway are selected.
Individuals currently teaching or training, including those at the very start of their career – although practical teaching is not a formal requirement (apart from microteaching), there may be opportunities to observe sessions and receive feedback to support professional development.
Practicing assessors who wish to gain a qualification that provides a foundation in teaching skills to complement their existing role.

Learners will cover:

Understand the teaching role and responsibilities in education and training
Understand ways to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
Understand the relationships between teachers and other professionals in education and training
Understand the types and methods of assessment used in education and training
Understand how to use constructive feedback, keep records and involve learners and others in the assessment process
Understand quality assurance and the legal and good-practice requirements in relation to assessment
Be able to plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive teaching and learning Be able to facilitate one to one and group learning and development.

Assessment Overview

The qualification includes nine assessment components spread across six units. The specific assessments you complete will depend on the units you choose.
The list below outlines all possible assessment elements — refer to your assessment plan to determine which ones apply to you.

Assessment Element 1: Written article
Assessment Element 2: Knowledge-based questions
Assessment Element 3: Microteaching session
Assessment Element 4: Presentation or worksheet – Facilitating learning and development for individuals
Assessment Element 5: Observed teaching session – Facilitating learning and development for individuals
Assessment Element 6: Presentation or worksheet – Facilitating learning and development in groups
Assessment Element 7: Observed teaching session – Facilitating learning and development in groups
Assessment Elements 8 & 9: Worksheets

Progression.

YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (600/0358/3)

Coming Soon
YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (600/0358/3)

Overview.

This certificate is for those who assess within both the work environment, workshops and classroom based environments using a range of assessment methods.

Learners will cover:

Principles and requirements of assessment
Different types of assessment method
Planning and performing assessments, involving learners and others
Quality assurance of the assessment process
Legal and good practice requirements Making assessment decisions.

Assessment Requirements

This qualification is evaluated through a combination of direct observation and a portfolio of supporting evidence.

All learners are required to complete the following core unit:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment

Completion of knowledge-based questions
Submission of relevant supporting documentation

For the two practical units, learners must demonstrate assessment of two different learners, using at least three distinct assessment methods selected from the options below:

Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

Possible evidence sources include:

Observation of assessment practice
Participation in a standardisation meeting
Professional discussion
Products of learner work
Witness testimonies
Reflective accounts
Tasks or projects

Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment

Possible assessment methods include:

Reviewing products of work
Questioning the learner
Engaging in professional discussion
Using witness testimonies
Reviewing learner statements
Recognising prior learning