CYQ works in partnership to develop South Africa’s health and fitness industry.
Since being appointed as Business Development Manager at Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) in 2007, Lori Randall has been proactively following up opportunities to develop into new markets worldwide. She has already broken into markets in Europe, India and the United Arab Emirates, and is now looking to establish CYQ, the UK’s leading health and fitness awarding body, in South Africa.
Because of the international profile of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a key issue for the South African government will be developing skills, particularly in the fitness industry. Many of the football stadiums being constructed have sports centres attached to them, and there is a need for trained fitness professionals to operate within these environments.
Following a trip to South Africa, organised by UK Trade and Investment in March 2009, CYQ is now working with colleges and training providers in South Africa to accredit their training programmes and qualifications. CYQ has already signed up its first partner, eta (Exercise Training and Sports Academy) and is now accrediting their training programmes. Gaining a CYQ approved fitness qualification not only meets the need for trained professionals during and after the World Cup tournament in 2010, but will also enable students to join the Register of Exercise Professionals, thus opening up job opportunities and mobility across countries around the world.
eta Director, Linda Halliday, says of her new partner: ‘We were very impressed by CYQ’s approach, which was exceedingly professional, but not prescriptive in any way. Lori and the team listened to our needs and offered useful advice, and resources that fit in with our existing provision.’
As well as accrediting centres across South Africa, CYQ has also introduced its innovative new course support materials. These replace black and white text with high quality colour publications and an interactive DVD.
Following their positive experience in South Africa, the CYQ team are now looking for further opportunities on the continent. They have already identified a potential market in Kenya, which currently has a shortage of skilled professional to run the growing number of spas and gyms being built to cater for the tourist safari market.
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