Link-up boost for fitness students

Pictured (left to right) are: Fitness Academy Tutor Miles Greenwood, Gary Rothwell, Matthew Royster, Shannon WIlson, Callum Angus and Mike Bruns

Forever Strong-Fitness and Performance have entered a partnership with Hopwood Hall College in a bid to boost the prospects of students looking to enter the training and fitness industry. 

Students studying at Hopwood Hall College’s Fitness Academy will be given work experience opportunities at one of Rochdale’s most popular fitness centres, with the chance of employment even being available to students who excel.

The partnership has already paid off for some students, with Shannon Wilson, Matthew Royster and Callum Angus all gaining employment as Personal Trainers delivering special programmes developed at Forever-Strong Fitness and Performance.

Gary Rothwell, owner of Forever-Strong Fitness and Performance, emphasised his belief in helping young people enter the fitness industry.

He said: "It's becoming increasingly difficult for young professionals to gain employment within their chosen field these days, especially following qualification as employers are looking for experience.

“I'm a big believer in the enthusiasm, desire, drive and hunger that a young, newly qualified Personal Trainer brings.

"It's our aim at Forever-Strong to provide the perfect opportunities to the right individuals and allow them to blossom under the guidance and expertise of our senior coaches.

“We are very much looking forward to this opportunity and the experience it will bring, to both ourselves and the trainees of Hopwood Hall College."

Programme Manager of Hopwood Hall College’s Fitness Academy, Mike Bruns, described the value he sees in local organisations banding together.

He added: “In the objective of bettering the prospects of young adults in the local area, it’s crucial that people like Gary are willing to collaborate.

“There are benefits on either side of the partnership, our Fitness Academy saw 70% of its students find industry-relevant employment straight after completing their course and that is in part to the development between Hopwood Hall College and the community.”

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