Free Level 3 Personal Trainer Course in Manchester. Classes run at YMCA Manchester, full-time during the day. This course is fully funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. You'll need a Level 2 qualification in Health, Fitness and Instruction to join. The level 3 personal trainer qualification covers personal training practice, outdoor exercise, and sports conditioning, combining classroom learning with hands-on work placements. The course runs over 24 months.
Who this course is for
FTA is a direct route to a successful Personal Training career. Combine cutting-edge content, hands-on work placements and opportunities to unlock your potential and transform your career.
Entry requirements
Level 2 in Health, Fitness and instruction
What you will learn
You'll develop the skills to design and deliver personalised training programmes for clients
You'll learn how to conduct fitness assessments and set goals with clients
You'll study exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, and nutrition principles
You'll learn how to coach outdoor exercise sessions safely and effectively
You'll develop sports conditioning techniques for a range of fitness goals
You'll gain practical experience through work placements with real clients
You'll learn how to manage a personal training business and attract clients
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at YMCA Manchester, supported by hands-on work placements. Assessment includes practical observations, written assignments, and client case studies. You'll be assessed on your ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate training sessions. Work placements give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a live fitness environment before you qualify.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. YMCA Manchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Personal Trainer: self-employed or gym-based one-to-one coaching
Outdoor Fitness Instructor: bootcamps, parks, and outdoor group sessions
Sports Conditioning Coach: strength and conditioning for athletes or sports teams
Gym Instructor: floor-based fitness support in leisure centres or gyms
Corporate Wellness Coach: workplace fitness and wellbeing programmes
Fitness Studio Owner: running your own personal training business
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning: deepen your sports science knowledge and work with performance athletes.
Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Personal Training: specialist areas such as nutrition, obesity, and low back pain.
Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science: a higher-level academic route if you want to move into coaching, research, or sports development.
