A new Diploma in Health, Fitness and Sales from Premier Training International (PTI) aims to increase business acumen and commercial nous among new PTs after employers noted a distinct lack of sales savvy among the current workforce.

The new qualification has been developed based on a needs analysis involving 450 operator employers, qualified PTs and current PTI students. Available now, the course seeks to teach the skills required to pursue a successful career as a fitness instructor, as well as the interpersonal and sales skills needed to grow and manage a client portfolio.

"When we conducted our extensive consultation, employers and fitness professionals identified a need for fitness instructors to better understand the business and sales requirements of building a successful personal training business,” said Debra Stuart, CEO of PTI.

"ukactive, SkillsActive and CIMSPA have worked incredibly hard over the past decade to ensure a constant improvement in professional standards. PTI supports this work through the provision of education programmes which reflect the needs of the sector, ensuring fitness professionals graduate from training work-ready and able to develop a long-term and successful career in the sector."

The new course builds on findings from a PTI survey published last year which found physical activity sector employers are concerned by the lack of soft skills possessed by young PTs and believe these qualities require greater prominence within industry qualifications.

The new diploma expands on the curriculum of the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, with the addition of sales, interpersonal and business modules. The diploma, which is underwritten and accredited by Active IQ, can be completed in six weeks of full-time learning or on a part-time basis.