Supporting local residents to find new employment opportunities
The Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Kinglassie) Education and Training Fund is supporting Kenny, a resident in Kinglassie, to pursue his dream career.
Kenny’s Background
In 2023, Kenny, a fleet manager for a parcel delivery company, applied for a bursary through the Nadara Westfield Wind Farm (Kinglassie) Education & Training Fund, to support his career transition into the health and fitness sector and undertake a Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions.
Kenny had a background in fitness, having previously taught martial arts and maintained a long-standing commitment to personal fitness. Prior to his application, he had already self-funded and completed the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in physical training instruction. He was also pursuing studies in sports psychology at his own expense, showing a clear commitment to professional development in his chosen field.
About the course
The course Kenny applied for was offered by Parallel Coaching, one of the UK's leading fitness training providers. The qualification was certified by Active IQ, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, and was approved by both CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) and REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals). This online course had a flexible completion window of up to two years.
Kenny's motivation for pursuing this qualification stemmed from his identification of a specific niche in the fitness industry: specialised training for individuals with long-term health conditions. He believed this qualification would provide him with the necessary knowledge and confidence to plan and deliver safe, effective health and exercise programmes for this under-served demographic.
Funding opportunities
Kenny applied to the Kinglassie Education & Training Fund seeking support with course fees and was awarded £500 towards his overall costs to support his further education. This has reduced some of the financial burden and allowed Kenny to focus on his studies.
Impact & Outcomes
The impact of the course was significant both for Kenny's career prospects and the wider community. The internationally recognised qualification will enable him to either progress within the health and fitness sector as an employee or establish his own business as a specialist trainer. Kenny is still deciding on which route to take but his prospects have now widened which is exciting as it will open many pathways to future employment and earnings.
The course has also provided him with comprehensive knowledge in supporting clients with various long-term conditions, enhancing his ability to create tailored exercise programmes that account for specific health challenges and limitations.
The outcomes extended beyond Kenny's personal career development. His new expertise will help fill a crucial gap in fitness provision, offering specialised support to individuals who might otherwise struggle to access appropriate exercise guidance.
This will also create secondary health and well-being benefits for people with long-term conditions in his community, as they gain access to a qualified professional who understands their specific needs and limitations.
Final thoughts
Kenny has demonstrated his commitment to the career change by covering a portion of the course fees from his own funds, with the bursary supporting the remaining balance. His application showed clear evidence of a well-planned career transition, building upon previously acquired qualifications and working towards a specific goal in a growing sector of the fitness industry.
This is a great upstream example of how the Nadara Westfield Wind Farm CommunityEducation & Training Fund can support people of all ages learn, develop or transition into a new and exciting career pathway, which will retain local skills and offer further community benefit.