Premier Training International will launch its new diploma in personal training in January.

Premier say that the new course could result in up to 4,500 new PTs entering the industry. The course will see the current full time programme reduced by four weeks to allow graduates to qualify in six weeks.

The part time programme will also be reduced from eight months to four and a half.

Head of training at Premier Training International, James Wild, said: "Last year we educated and graduated more than 1,400 qualified personal trainers into the industry and this year we look set to increase this number.

"We have very high levels of demand for our qualifications - with some courses over subscribed. The new shorter format will allow us to give more people the opportunity to study with Premier."