Two students from West Cheshire College in Ellesmere Port have been selected for the regional heats of a fitness instructor of the year competition.
Melody Dean and Gareth Jones are both studying a part-time course at the college leading to a qualification from CYQ, one of the UK's leading awarding organisations for physical activity, fitness and wellbeing.
CYQ develops and awards industry-leading qualifications helping people across the world to develop new careers in the health and fitness industry.
The pair were selected for the regional competitions after impressing judges with a theory test and personal statement.
Melody said: “I started doing the evening fitness instructor course alongside my current role as a commercial manager.
“I’ve always been passionate about keeping fit and wanted to study for a qualification that would give me the skills and experience for a career change.
“During my studies my tutor Sharon Penrhyn-Jones put me forward for the competition.
“After completing an online test and personal statement about my passion as a fitness instructor, I was delighted when I was selected as a competitor for the regional finals.”
Melody and Gareth will now compete in the regional finals on Thursday, February 13 at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale.
Melody added:“For the finals I need to put together a 30 minute showcase.
“I want to do something different so I think I am going to combine toning and aerobic exercises to Indie or rock music.
“I will be going into college to put together the routine and to get help and advice from my tutor.
“She has been brilliant throughout the whole process and I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for her support.”
The success has continued at the college as tutor Sharon has been selected as a judge for the national finals of the competition.
After completing training, she has been allocated to judge the exercise to music and personal trainer categories of the competition.
Sharon said: “We are delighted that Melody and Gareth have been selected for the regional finals for the competition.
“They are both talented and work really hard so they deserve every success they get.
“I wish them the best of luck for the competition - I’m sure they will both do fantastically well.”
West Cheshire College offers part-time and full-time courses as well as apprenticeships in a broad range of sectors.
For more information about studying sport at the college, call the college hotline on 01244 656555, visit www.west-cheshire.ac.uk or pop into the Ellesmere Port or Chester campus to pick up a prospectus.
