Business going from strength to strength

Feb 3 2010 By Vicki Eltis, Woking Informer

ACAR accident in 2007 resulted in Sam Richardson losing his arm. He was then forced to give up his dream career as a royal engineer in the Army and was medically discharged at the end of 2008.

But today Sam, 19, of Beech Close, is in the process of setting up his own personal training company, Military Personal Training (MPT), thanks to Lifetime and his passion for exercise and fitness.

He said: "I was training with the Army in Scarborough and when I had a weekend off the accident happened.

"When I was discharged I looked at Lifetime's apprenticeship course in personal training and was accepted on to a course.

"I really enjoyed the programme and although it was sometimes a real challenge to get through some of the practical exercises with just one arm, it was great to work with the tutor to come up with creative alternatives to some of the exercises."

As the Centre of Excellence for Fitness, Lifetime offers government-funded training to 16 to 18-year-olds in fitness instructing and activity leadership.

Both apprenticeships provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that industry employers look for at recruitment. After the three-week, full-time tutor-led study programme, apprentices have the opportunity to gain employment or a paid or voluntary work placement.

After a successful work placement at the Metropolitan Police Gym at Hampton Court, where Sam completed his NVQ, he is now in the process of setting up his own personal training business.

Sam says that he does not know what he would be doing now if it was not for the programme and thinks that everyone should try apprenticeships.

He added: "I think some people should

definitely give it a go. It's better than lying in bed. Even if they do a course and discover it's not for them it is better than not trying it.

"I chose personal training because I enjoy helping people get fit and discovering their strengths and weaknesses. Obviously I have a few of my own so it's a challenge." * Young people wanting to find out more about the apprenticeships can visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk or call 0870 702 7273.