Certificate in Gym Instructing Level 2: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Love sport and want to start your journey in fitness? This course is the perfect place to begin.
The NQ Introduction to Sport and Fitness (Level 4) is designed for learners who want to build confidence, improve their fitness, and explore a range of sports and coaching skills.
You’ll train and learn in our high-performance gyms, Games Hall, and classrooms, with sessions that focus on teamwork, motivation, and developing your personal performance.
You’ll also take part in a variety of practical sports, such as football, badminton, paddleboarding, and weight training, as well as visits to performance centres and outdoor training venues.
The course is highly practical, so a reasonable level of fitness and enthusiasm for physical activity are essential. You’ll gain an introduction to sport science, fitness instruction, and coaching, and you’ll have the opportunity to achieve additional short qualifications like Metafit, Spin, Boxing, Football, and Volleyball to enhance your CV.
A PVG check is required to undertake the mandatory work placement.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have a genuine interest in sport, fitness, and physical activity.
- Want to explore different career paths in sport and fitness.
- Enjoy learning through practical sessions and teamwork.
- Are looking to progress to higher-level study in fitness, coaching, or sport science.
- Want to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills in an active setting.
What you will learn
You’ll develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence across both practical and theory-based topics.
Course content may include:
- Playing and Competing in Team and Individual Sports – including badminton, basketball, and football.
- Introduction to Anatomy and Fitness Training – understanding how the body works and improving personal performance.
- Intro to First Aid – learning essential safety and emergency response skills.
- Weight and Circuit Training – using gym equipment and bodyweight exercises safely and effectively.
- Nutrition for Health and Fitness – exploring how food fuels performance and wellbeing.
- Skills for Employment – teamwork, communication, and professionalism in the workplace.
You’ll also take part in off-campus sessions and have opportunities to gain short industry qualifications, giving you a taste of future fitness careers.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however:
✅ You must have a genuine interest in sport and fitness.
✅ A reasonable level of physical fitness is required due to the practical nature of the programme.
✅ A positive attitude and willingness to participate fully in activities are essential.
ℹ️ Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
After completing this course, you’ll have the confidence and foundation skills for entry-level roles such as:
🏋️♀️ Gym Instructor Assistant
🤸♀️ Group Exercise Assistant
🏟️ Sports Coaching Assistant
💪 Recreation or Leisure Assistant
You’ll also be well prepared for further study and training in the sports and fitness industry.
Future prospects
Students can progress directly to:
- NQ Sport and Fitness (Level 5)
- NQ Outdoor Adventure Leadership (Level 6)
These progression routes help you build towards professional roles or HND-level study at Glasgow Kelvin College.
Real Industry Connections
Our Sport and Fitness teaching team bring extensive professional experience across the sporting industry — from personal training, gym management, and group exercise to football, adventure sport, and coaching.
They’ve worked in both the private and public sectors, with several team members bringing international experience, ensuring your learning is relevant, engaging, and connected to real-world opportunities.
