We’re thrilled to announce that Active IQ has secured approval for 11 new active leisure qualifications, set to launch on 1st August 2025. These qualifications are designed to equip learners with essential skills, creating clear pathways to meaningful careers within the active leisure industry.
Why the Reforms Matter to the Active Leisure Sector
The post-16 reforms present a timely opportunity to modernise qualifications, aligning them more closely with industry needs. Over the past few years, employers and training providers in the active leisure sector have faced challenges recruiting adequately trained staff, noting gaps between existing qualifications and real-world demands. The government’s reform initiative aims to address these challenges across various sectors, and our 11 newly approved qualifications reflect this mission.
In active leisure, which includes roles in personal training, fitness instructing, coaching, and other wellness-related careers, the need for skilled talent is growing. As lifestyles shift and the importance of physical health is more widely recognised, demand for qualified professionals who can support people’s health and fitness goals has increased. Our new qualifications will not only help meet this demand but will also enable learners to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in a sector that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
Introducing Active IQ’s 11 New Qualifications: Meeting Sector Needs with a Future-Focused Approach
Each of the 11 qualifications has been carefully developed to provide a blend of technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-standard assessments. By addressing specific needs identified through research and industry feedback, these qualifications deliver relevant, hands-on training that prepares learners to succeed in the field from day one.
This portfolio includes qualifications at various levels, allowing individuals to begin their journey in the active leisure sector and build expertise as they progress. From foundational courses introducing learners to the core principles of health and fitness, to advanced qualifications for those seeking specialised roles, each qualification has been crafted with career readiness and progression in mind.
A Pathway for Everyone: Creating Opportunities for All Learners
A key advantage of the reformed qualifications is their inclusivity. Whether a young learner is starting their first career, a career changer is looking to enter the active leisure field, or a professional is seeking to upskill, these qualifications offer tailored pathways that support individuals at all stages of their career journey.
Active IQ’s new qualifications also support combined study options, allowing learners to pursue both academic and technical subjects simultaneously. This approach reflects recent developments across FE, where flexibility in study programmes helps learners pursue diverse career paths or continue onto higher education. With our qualifications, a learner could combine fitness instruction with elements of business or sports science, equipping them with versatile skills that meet a range of employer needs.
Supporting Employers: Addressing Skills Gaps and Securing the Talent Pipeline
The active leisure sector plays a vital role in public health and community well-being, yet it’s a sector that, like many others, is experiencing skills gaps and a pressing need for fresh talent. By securing the development of these qualifications, we’re helping to build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals who can support the sector’s growth and meet its future demands. Our qualifications are also developed with employer collaboration, meaning they reflect the real needs of the industry, ensuring that learners graduate job-ready and equipped with the competencies required for success.
Employers are eager for well-rounded, knowledgeable candidates who can apply their skills immediately. Active IQ’s new qualifications prioritise applied learning, giving learners the confidence and practical experience they need to make an impact from day one. With this in mind, employers in active leisure can have confidence that these new qualifications will provide them with a skilled, prepared workforce.
A Vision for the Future: Building a Resilient Active Leisure Sector
With these new qualifications, Active IQ is not only responding to the post-16 reforms but is also looking forward, ensuring that the active leisure sector has a sustainable and resilient future. We’re committed to bridging the gap between education and employment, and by working closely with training providers, employers, and the government, we’re helping to shape a sector that offers meaningful careers to thousands of individuals.
As we approach the launch in August 2025, Active IQ is here to provide resources, guidance, and support for those navigating these changes. We encourage providers, employers, and learners to explore our new qualifications and see how they can support personal and professional growth in a vibrant, rewarding industry. Together, let’s shape the future of active leisure—one qualified, career-ready professional at a time.
For more information on Active IQ’s new qualifications, please visit our website or reach out to our team.
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