Photo: Cert III in Fitness Graduates: Back Row: Darcy Martin, Rhianna Sutherland, Shanaya Raso, Garry Taylor. Front Row: Melissa Silva, Sharon McGrady, Taleena Simon, Eden Mashman-Woods.

TAFE NSW, students, family and NCIE staff all gathered to celebrate the ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates from NCIE’s first Job Ready Certificate III in Fitness in mid-June.

The 12 week course involved both practical and theoretical fitness, with training and learning onsite at NCIE Fitness.

The graduates are now qualified to become gym instructors, able to instruct and support people of all ages to improve their fitness and health.

Melissa Silva with her son Jacobe and head TAFE teacher Tony Spitzer

Melissa Silva, Redfern local and a regular member at NCIE Fitness enjoyed the flexibility of the course. Teachers and staff all supported and welcomed Melissa bringing her one-year-old son Jacobe along to her classes. Jacobe was also celebrating at the graduation ceremony.

“They are all such a good bunch of people, the teachers were so flexible. It was such a nice and positive environment to learn in,” she said.

“We learned a lot about the human body in relation to fitness and how to administer First Aid to clients. I have heaps more confidence in my skills and I’m excited to work in the industry.”

TAFE teacher Scott Johnson was particularly proud of the structure and community feel of the course.

Graduate Darcy Martin standing to thank his teachers and staff for all their support and hard work.

“We run a course that’s really open and inclusive, it’s casual and understanding of everyone’s needs,” he said.

Being able to run this course at NCIE, with access to full gym facilities, is amazing!

“The potential for graduates to get work at NCIE Fitness means they have the opportunity to ease into a friendly, familiar workplace.”

At the ceremony students were awarded with personalised embroidered NCIE bags and their TAFE graduation certificate. Two students, Shanaya Raso and Mitchell Edwards received the Outstanding Achievement Award, showing commitment and hard work throughout the course.

Shanaya Raso with her Outstanding Achievement award

Shanaya Raso with her Outstanding Achievement award

Shanaya felt overwhelmed and excited to get the award.

“It’s really boosted my confidence and I feel really proud of myself, she said.

“I’ve gained so much from this course, knowledge and friends! I’m really looking forward to starting my Cert IV in Fitness next semester.”

Congratulations to the graduates, NCIE Job Ready program and TAFE NSW for training and supporting the students through another great semester. Thanks also to the NCIE catering team for providing a delicious feed after the ceremony.

NCIE Job Ready and TAFE will run the Certificate IV in Fitness, starting July 2. The 18 week course will train you to become a qualified personal trainer, and nearly all of the recent graduates have already enrolled!

This course is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who already hold a Certificate III in Fitness.

Find out more details about Job Ready here.