Galway Community College offers the widest range of fitness courses in the west of Ireland. By registering on any of GCC's QQI Level 5 sports courses, students obtain an award in sport, recreation, and exercise and have the opportunity to qualify as fitness instructors and sports coaches. GCC is accredited with the NCEF in University of Limerick and ITEC and provides a wide range of additional qualifications from NGBs such as GAA, Basketball Ireland, and FAI.
Students have the opportunity to qualify as pool lifeguards, spinning and kettlebell instructors, and sports coaches in a range of activities. The college offers additional certification from Sports Ireland such as child protection, inclusive physical activity, and sports literacy.
Students may progress to a Level 6 QQI award in sport, recreation, and exercise and develop from fitness instruction to personal training.
GCC will offer a new diploma in Pilates instruction and exercise fitness specialist from September 2019. In order to enhance the employability of students it hopes to provide them with all the necessary qualifications to acquire employment in the sector. This includes adding skills such as swim teacher, aqua aerobics instructor, child activity specialist, and older adult activity leader. Students complete modules in health promotion, nutrition, and anatomy which enables them to work with vulnerable adults and in specific areas such as heart health, obesity, sports injuries, and weight management
All students must complete work experience and gain invaluable experience as well as potential employment as part of the course. GCC has strong links with a number of third level institutes and has a memorandum of understanding with GMIT's Sports Science Department for its sports graduates.
For further information and to apply see www.galwaycc.ie or contact course coordinator Claire Quinn at [email protected]. Visit the college during its registration evening on May 22 from 5pm to 7pm.
