Solent students learn from local Health Promotion experts

Solent students from the BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Physical Activity course have been having a series of guest speakers to talk to them about physical activity initiatives within the city.  As part of their 2nd year Physical Activity and Public Health Interventions unit, students need to understand current national and local policy and strategy on physical activity, but also how this is being implemented in Southampton.  So far, students have learnt about active transport initiatives, and the complex issues of working with new communities. Also scheduled are talks on active workplaces, sport development, healthy communities and health trainers.  Senior Lecturer and unit leader Dr Marie Stopforth said, "not only does this give the students a fascinating insight into the work that is currently ongoing in the city, but it also allows students to forge valuable links with local employers including Southampton City Council and the NHS. Last year, one student gained part time employment in a health promotion setting as a direct result of this, and another will be carrying out his 3rd year project in conjunction with the Health Promotion team at the City Council."

Sport Science students run testing day for GB Wheelchair Rugby

On the weekend of 20/21 November, 30 students from the BSc Applied Sport Science degree ran a fitness testing day for GB Wheelchair Rugby. This provided a wonderful opportunity for the students to collect data and work with athletes that are being selected for the development squad. Attached below are some videos of the day with Patty Cornelius the Team Manager, some of the students helping out on the tests as well as one of our Applied Sport Science students feeding back about the day and the future. 
All the students showed high levels of professionalism throughout the testing days and were a credit to the university, and those students who excelled have now been selected to work with the elite squad next week. This is yet further evidence of how the opportunities afforded to students on the Applied Sport Science degree here at Southampton Solent University provide real-life experiences that enhance employability and hence should make us your first choice for a career in this exciting industry.

Guaranteed Job Interviews for Personal Training Students

Health and fitness students studying BA (Hons) Fitness Management and Personal Training, BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise & Physical Activity and BSc (Hons) Fitness and Personal Training were provided with 2 industry guest lectures within the space of an hour this week.

Firstly, Ray Algar from Oxygen Consulting, a company dedicated to providing strategic insight into the health and fitness industry, delivered a presentation on the emergence of low cost budget gyms in the UK. Ray provided a fascinating insight for the students who are currently undertaking an Operation and Management of Fitness Facilities academic unit.

To access Ray's blog, including a link to the information presented, please visit:

http://www.oxygen-consulting.co.uk/blog

The second guest lecture saw Dan Colman from Fitness Agents, the UKs largest Personal Training Management team, deliver a session to students from all 3 years of all the health and fitness courses about how to set up as a Personal Trainer within the industry.

All students in attendance were offered a guaranteed interview at one of their clubs, either during their studies or upon graduating, and were provided a valuable insight into how to make the most of the opportunities available within the industry.

Martin Skivington, Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Fitness Management & Personal Training and BSc (Hons) Fitness & Personal Training commented, "to be able to offer students a guaranteed interview shows just how well regarded these courses are within the fitness industry. We provide a learning experience that is valued by industry as well as providing extensive real-life working experiences for our students to improve their employability."