Skills and Qualities of Personal Trainers – Employers’ Perspectives on Recruitment

What skills and qualities do employers look for when hiring personal trainers? This research project examines which qualifications are most highly valued in the fitness industry and how these can help develop educational programs and strengthen the link between education and the workforce. Here you can follow the project and access its findings.

Personal trainers play an important role in promoting health and physical activity. At the same time, there is limited knowledge about which skills and personal qualities employers value when hiring. The project aims to increase understanding of the factors that influence hiring decisions in the fitness industry and how these can contribute to the development of education and professional practice.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate which skills and personal qualities employers value in personal trainers during the hiring process.

The study covers, among other things, education, certifications, professional experience, subject knowledge, and personal qualities.

Methodology

The study is being conducted as a national survey targeting employers in the fitness industry. The survey was developed through literature reviews, expert reviews, and pilot studies, and includes questions about education, work experience, skills, and personal characteristics.

Data collection is being conducted nationwide to capture variations across different types of organizations and geographic areas.

Expected Results

The project is expected to provide new insights into which qualifications employers consider most important in personal trainers. The results may contribute to:

• the development of training programs in fitness and health
• a stronger link between education and the labour market
• a better understanding of competency requirements in the fitness industry
• the continued professionalization of the personal trainer profession
• future research on the supply of skilled workers and recruitment

Significance for Education and the Workplace

The project provides insights into the skills and personal qualities that employers value when recruiting personal trainers. The findings can be used to develop educational programs, strengthen the link between education and the workplace, and provide employers with a better foundation for workforce planning and recruitment.