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With this week being National Skills Week, TAFE NSW is spotlighting the fitness career journey of Bathurst local Ewen Griffith-Menzies and the role of TAFE NSW in supporting this pathway.

New data shows the Australian fitness industry generates $2.5 billion annually, booming with more than 35,000 employees and 30,000 personal trainers*.

The fitness sector relies heavily on the practical training that ensures professionals are properly qualified. TAFE NSW is playing a key role in building a strong pipeline of trainers through its Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness, providing a pathway for strong employment prospects and eligibility for university education.

Griffith-Menzies has turned his personal battle with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure into a thriving fitness career. Thanks to TAFE NSW’s training, Griffith-Menzies is helping others with similar conditions achieve their fitness goals. He is now a respected aquarobics fitness instructor in Bathurst.

His journey highlights the powerful role of TAFE NSW in developing the next generation of fitness professionals, meeting industry demand, and making a significant impact on people’s lives.

TAFE NSW provided Griffith-Menzies targeted support in exploring exercises that lower blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, which has become his niche in helping clients with similar conditions.

Griffith-Menzies shared “My TAFE NSW education equipped me with practical fitness skills, including anatomy and exercise techniques.

“I’m now confident in creating tailored training for clients with medical conditions, but I’ve realised that staying relevant requires not just technical skills but also strong interpersonal skills.

“TAFE NSW also taught us irreplaceable softer skills like providing emotional and physical support to clients, ensuring graduates remain relevant in the industry.”

Griffith-Menzies is expanding his expertise from group fitness to personal training and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Charles Stuart University.

His learning journey at TAFE NSW reflects how vocational education can transform careers and lives, aligning with the National Skills Week 2024 theme ‘Game Changer!’

Running from 19th to 25th August 2024 and in its 14th year, National Skills Week raises the profile and status of vocational learning in providing attractive career opportunities. With the average Australian changing employers every 3.3 years and the jobs market rapidly evolving, the week is key in educating people of all ages about how vocational education and training can empower them to pursue exciting career pathways. Importantly, these job choices can help plug significant skills gaps experienced by many Australian industries, helping strengthen our communities and economy.

More information on TAFE NSW  

* GITNUX REPORT 2024 Australian Fitness Industry Statistics: Market Data Report 2024 (gitnux.org)

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