Student Testimonial
Name: Shane Bane
Course: QQI Level 5 Exercise, Fitness and Nutrition
QQI Level 6 Personal Training
Year of Study: 2015-2017
Tell us about the area you studied in Galway Community College.
I returned from Canada in 2015 and didn’t know what I wanted to do. I heard about the Health and Fitness course at GCC. I was an active gym goer and thought that this might be a good route back into education. After seeing the facilities and meeting the enthusiastic Tutors I enrolled.
The variety of activities and modules covered in the course made this extremely interesting. I started the course when I was 34 and after doing my leaving cert at 18 I was well out of practice with studying. However, I found all of the teachers very supportive and always prepared to give additional helped when I needed it.
What are you doing now? i.e. work, college, university.
I currently work as a Tutor with The Turas Alternative Education Centre (Youthreach). We work with children aged between 13 and 15. This is a job I never expected to be in. Seeing how the staff at GCC worked with the children there definitely influenced and inspired me to want to work in this sector.
What steps did you take academically or work experience wise to get where you are now?
While studying for my Level 6 I also did the Pilates instructor course to fully round out my fitness qualifications. For the work experience module, I did 60 hours at a local gym which then gave me paid part time hours and then a full time job as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer when the course was over.
I went on to do my Level 7 part time at UL where I received my tutor qualification. This allowed me to deliver part time courses throughout Galway working with a wide and varied demographic.
Would you recommend prospective students to think about doing this course or what recommendations would you have for a prospective student?
I would 100% recommend this course. But I would also like to recommend Galway Community College as a whole. They have a team of fantastic staff, all of whom are always ready to help, motivate and inspire. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.
Thanks Shane for your kind words and GCC wishes you the best in your future career.