SOUTHERN CAPE BUSINESS NEWS - Health and Fitness Professionals Academy Garden Route (HFPA), founded in 1979, has been offering part-time courses in various centres on the Garden Route since the 1980's. It is one of the first organisations internationally to act upon the need for specialised training and representation in the sport and fitness industry.

Over a period of 33 years HFPA has led the initiative to set professional standards for the Southern African fitness industry.

This initiative has now taken on an international perspective as they work closely with other countries striving towards the same goals.

HFPA makes use of a holistic, scientific approach to safe and effective training, health, nutrition and life style changes, providing top class education thus producing graduates with superior knowledge and competence.

Comprehensive training programmes offered at the HFPA campus in George include:

• Lectures and workshops
• Extensive "hands on" practical training
• Experiential training (internship)
• Sports conditioning
• Coaching science
• Regularly updated manuals providing the latest scientific information

Choosing an institution
There are now many courses offered in fitness education, and it has become increasingly important for prospective students to know what to look for in a training organisation to ensure that the qualification offered is recognised.
The institution should be well established and well accredited and have international affiliations.

In South Africa, HFPA is registered with the Department of Education and with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). The HFPA "Diploma in Exercise Science" is accredited by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) on Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (www.saqa.org.za).

As an accredited provider of CYQ (United Kingdom awarding Body) programmes and examinations, HFPA opens doors for its gra-duates to work in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and USA and HFPA students with the CYQ qualification are able to gain employment internationally without further examinations.

HFPA also has "Affiliate" status with the REPS SA (Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa) and NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners) USA, qualifying graduates to write NBFE examinations.

Career opportunities
The Health and Fitness industry is one of the fastest growing industries internationally, offering employment in health clubs, private practice, schools, sports clubs, rehabilitation environments, hotel spas and on luxury cruise liners.
By taking advantage of continuing specialisation, graduates are assured of further exciting career opportunities.