Ten Bridgwater College students studying Health and Social Care and Early Years, have been taking part in the ‘Fit for Work’ programme that aims to get them involved in physical activity for at least one hour per week. The initiative allows students to gain knowledge and experience on how to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to transfer the skills into the workplace.

The students started working towards the certificate in early 2016 and carried out fitness tests in the first and last weeks of the course to compare and identify positive outcomes. The future aims for the Fit for Work programme is to extend the scheme to other courses across the College, to enable more students to get involved with physical activity on a more regular basis.

As a result of the programme the students have benefitted from a month’s free membership at the Bridgwater College Fitness Zone, to encourage the participation in regular exercise. The certificate has been backed by three local employers, Brainwave, Orchard Vale Trust and Voyage Care. The certificate is further proof for the students to show they are suitable for employment, as the programme prepares them for potentially physically demanding jobs. Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just include physical exercise, it also means eating healthily too, that’s why the students have been able to receive discount on nutritional meals from the College restaurant.

Programme Leader Carly Martin said,

“The ‘Fit for Work’ programme has enabled students from Childcare and Health and Social Care to receive the award that recognises their fitness levels. The fact that this is an optional programme, shows their dedication and determination to complete it. These characteristics are what employers seek in their future workforce, which is why we have had so much great support from Brainwave, Orchard Vale Trust and Voyage Care. A special thanks go to Molly Ardren and Dom Hodges for overseeing such a successful programme.”

Elle Wintersgill, Health, Care and Early Years Curriculum Manager added,

“I would love to run this for Level one and two students for the years to come, it has been a fantastic opportunity for students to improve their wellbeing, understanding and importance of a healthy lifestyle that links to employability, whilst building relationships with their peers at the same time.”

If you would like further information about the ‘Fit for Work’ programme please contact Carly Martin on 01278 441322.