How To Become a Strength & Conditioning Trainer
In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to become an S&C Trainer.
In this guide, you'll find out everything you need to become an S&C Trainer.
Following the four simple steps below, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a Strength and Conditioning Trainer…
The Strength and Conditioning Trainer is in charge of developing and managing a strength and conditioning program for all sports, with the three main objectives of enhancing athletic performance, decreasing sporting injuries, and teaching lifetime fitness and mobility skills.
Because a strength and conditioning trainer’s role is more specialised, they frequently deal with athletes and clientele who are more than just interested in fitness.
Your guide will give you full information about salary, qualifications and career progressions. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with one of our expert Career Advisers, who can provide friendly, no-obligation advice about your options and help you get started if you’re ready.
As a Qualified S&C Trainer, you’ll work within a larger strength and conditioning team at a professional sports club.
Strength and conditioning trainers have important roles and duties, such as:
There are essentially two routes you can take to become a Strength and Conditioning Trainer:
Academic route – A degree is not required to become an S&C Trainer. In fact, many degrees will not contain the relevant content or qualifications to work in S&C. Frequently degree students find they need to do further courses to be able to work in the industry. Don’t let this stop you if a degree offers other opportunities, but if S&C is where you want to be, a degree may be excessive.
Depending on the role employers may look for UKSCA full accreditation or that the course is UKSCA recognised (like ours).
S&C Trainers can choose to enter higher education and take an undergraduate degree. If they have relevant experience, they could apply directly for a Master’s degree; the criteria for which will vary from university to university.
Non-academic route – Start as an S&C Trainer and progress your career while working and gaining valuable experience (and money!). There are employed and self-employed opportunities, most of which will be looking for a recognised S&C Trainer qualification. Depending on the role, employers may occasionally look for full accreditation with the UKSCA. Our Level 4 course is recognised by the UKSCA and allows associate membership, from here you can then take the next steps to become a fully accredited S&C coach with the UKSCA.
Choosing the correct training provider might be overwhelming if you’re new to the field.
Here are some things to keep in mind while you go through this procedure.
When choosing a strength and conditioning course, make sure it’s governed by an Ofqual certified awarding organisation.
This regulation indicates that the course has fulfilled industry standards, which is important if you want to get work.
Once you have completed your courses or whilst studying, it’s highly recommended to start some voluntary internships and get vocational experience to enhance your practical skills.
You can volunteer at your local club, shadowing S&C Trainers there. Once established as an S&C Trainer, you may want to progress towards becoming a UKSCA Accredited S&C Trainer, which is a job requirement for many roles in professional sports.
On average, a Strength and Conditioning professional in the UK earns £24,634 according to Payscale, and £32,109 according to Glassdoor.
Find out more about S&C salaries.
