Lisa Vickers

I qualified as a Personal Trainer Sept 08.

Just over 3 years ago (& at the age of 33!) I desperately needed a total career change & due to a passion for fitness & training decided that this was the direction I needed to go down. (I was in the Fashion/Import Trade after getting a Fashion degree in 1995, & had worked my way up to Senior Account Manager).

I must have got details on about 10 different course providers & after short listing 3 decided that the FIE was the best for what suited my time available to study (as I still needed to work full time), seemed the most thorough & indepth & the price was mid range & above all realistic.

So after several calls & loads of help & info from the FIE team I enrolled. The same evening I started my studies!

I was so excited & found that the online way of learning was just perfect for me. Every spare moment I was studying - but it was so easy as I could just log in at home or during my lunch hour at work!.

I was in no rush to gain my qualification & I am a perfectionist at times, so I took my time & learned everything thoroughly & put myself forward for assessments as soon as I knew I was 100% ready, without being pushed (by FIE) to complete it in any speed.

It was also great when there were assessments as there was always a monthly date local to me - so no mega travelling needed!.

Tutor support were great - whenever I gave them a call, they were always so helpful & the feedback they gave before any assessments on programme plans etc was just really helpful. Hazel was a superstar (& Jenny!! before she moved on).

I used alot of the resources that the online store offered which were also really helpful for that extra bit of info. I strongly recommend the 'Personal Trainers Handbook' as this has been a big help now that I am Personal Training.

The course took me 2 & half years to do - but like I said, there was no rush for me & working full time & studying was not easy - but I loved every minute!.

As soon as I qualified last Sept, I started Personal Training part time - Then in January I was made redundant which was the best thing that ever happened to me!

I am so happy - I am now living my dream & work full time as a Gym Instructor & PT Private Clients. The money does not even come into now as I have much more Job satisfaction knowing that I am helping people achieve their own personal goals.

I can only thank the FIE for all their help & providing a course that has changed my life.

I know that there are alot of people that come into the fitness industry the way that I have & that anyone who felt like me 3 years ago can be assured that the FIE course is the best!.

Lisa Vickers - A Very happy Level 3 PT