Exciting new sports courses at Portlaoise Institute for September 2023

    LOETB Portlaoise Institute

    Portlaoise Institute is delighted to be offering students the opportunity to study two new Sports courses for September 2023. 

    The first new course is a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Gym Instruction and Sports Injury Studies. 

    This course will provide an initial look into the world of Fitness Instruction, Sports management and Sports Education.

    Learners will be prepared for work in Sports Complexes, Leisure Centres, Health Clubs and Fitness Training through an integrated syllabus involving the theoretical knowledge of physical fitness and exercise, practical participation, administration and management techniques and various coaching skills. 

    Learners will have the opportunity to acquire a range of skills which will prepare them for a career in coaching, fitness instruction and sports related fields.

    Learners will also be placed in a working environment as well as going on trips to different facilities within the Leisure Industry. 

    Our second new Sports course is a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Exercise & Fitness Instruction with Nutrition. 

    While studying this course, students will gain the knowledge base and practical experience required by a health fitness professional in today’s leisure industry.

    Successful students will be proficient in areas such as screening, fitness testing, programme development, class instruction and the general day to day running of a gym or leisure centre.

    They will acquire the relevant knowledge in anatomy, physiology and nutrition to ensure they are competent in their delivery of safe and effective fitness programmes.

    Course Coordinator Sandra Molloy said: “Both courses provide an intensive, but practical programme where students will learn the fundamentals of what it takes to work as a gym instructor or personal trainer. 

    Students who successfully complete either course also have the opportunity to use their results to progress to third level. Degree courses students could gain entry to include: BA in Sport & Exercise Science, Physiology and Health Science, Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Strength and Conditioning and Sport, Business and Coaching” 

    Deputy Principal Keith McClearn outlined: “We are very lucky to be partnered with the LOETB Centre of Excellence at O’Moore Park where there is a state of the art fully equipped strength and conditioning gym that students will use to hone their skills.

    “Additionally, students on both these courses have the opportunity to travel abroad to Malaga, Spain with our Erasmus programme.” 

    Applications are now open at www.portlaoiseinstitute.ie