Case Study: Nikki

NAME: NIKKI

LOCATION: NORFOLK

BACKGROUND: BRITISH MILITARY INSTRUCTOR

After a career in the British army spanning 24 years, Nikki Pearce decided to re-enter civilian life and look for new opportunities. Having worked as a Physical Training Instructor throughout her army career, Nikki was keen to set up her own fitness business in Norfolk, with the objective of continuing with an activity she is passionate about, while further developing her credentials.

To set herself up in the civilian sector, Nikki had to make sure she had the appropriate qualifications. She had already heard about CMS Vocational Training and seen the company recommended in the resettlement magazines. The starting point for Nikki’s retraining was to find a company that was registered with the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) and she was pleased to see that CMS Fitness Courses fitted the bill. “It proved they were a reputable company to approach for courses whilst I was going through my resettlement,” she says.

With help from CMS, Nikki was able to secure funding for her courses from ELCAS. An initiative set up by the MOD to promote life-long learning among members of the armed forces, ELCAS also helps those leaving the forces to retrain or achieve additional qualifications in their chosen area of expertise. All of the learning providers, such as CMS Fitness Courses, are required to comply with the ELC scheme rules and keep up to date on changes. They are expected to provide a high quality of learning provision and are evaluated by learners, as well as ELCAS itself.

In Nikki’s case, she was keen to enhance her knowledge and skill set in Exercise Referral and Obesity and Diabetes and these qualifications were delivered with CMS Vocational Training at Level 3 and Level 4 respectively.

“I found the instructors extremely efficient and professional,” Nikki says. “They also showed an understanding of the military ethos and our resettlement process. In addition they offered a friendly support service, whilst also providing an excellent online learning package.”

The facility for online learning means that CMS Fitness Courses can offer training for ex-military personnel who settle anywhere in the UK. Those who live within travelling distance to the CMS headquarters in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, can also benefit from onsite training.

A number of military personnel have completed a variety of courses with CMS Fitness Courses since the company became an approved training provider for ELCAS and Nikki says that she would thoroughly recommend CMS to other people in the military as a training provider.

If you’d like to find out more about how CMS Fitness Courses can help you secure ELCAS funding, or about any of the health and fitness courses on offer, contact CMS on 01484 434800.