Kerrie Morrell
CASE STUDY: May 11, 2006
Kerrie Morrell is an excellent example of someone who sets herself a goal and then goes all out to make sure she achieves it. At 31, Kerrie now runs a successful personal training business in Yeovil, Somerset, yet her path to this point in her career has taken a rather interesting route. We caught up with Kerrie as she was about to embark on her latest challenge, a Diploma in Personal Training with Lifetime.
Kerrie’s story begins after completing her education and gaining 9 GCSEs. Having being brought up in a village community, Kerrie was keen to move away, travel and have an adventure. So, aged 17.5 years, she joined the Royal Navy and spent the next 12 years serving as an engineer. During this time, her interest in sport and fitness training increased until she felt it became more important than her profession as an engineer. On reaching this cross-road in her career, Kerrie chose not to go down the obvious path of remaining in the services and becoming a Physical Training Instructor, instead she decided to develop her talents in ‘civvie street’.
Kerrie handed in her notice to leave the Navy in April 2002, and immediately set to work qualifying as a fitness instructor, as well as gaining experience teaching studio classes at evenings and weekends. By the time she left the forces in April 2003, Kerrie had already launched her own business ‘PerfectFORM’, which she has built up and now trains over 25 clients in Yeovil and the surrounding area.
Always keen to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements, Kerrie has just enrolled on a series of modules with Lifetime Training. Kerrie explains: “The MoD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme is an initiative that promotes learning amongst members of the Armed Forces, and provides financial support towards courses that result in a Nationally Recognised Qualification at Level three or above on the National Qualification Network.”
Lifetime is the leading provider of quality training for employees within the leisure industry. It delivers apprenticeships, work based learning (NVQs), in-house training and open courses, including distance learning courses, across the fitness and leisure sector. The company offers a variety of flexible training options ranging from entry-level qualifications in fitness instruction and exercise to music through to advanced instructor awards including personal training, working with special populations and GP Referral. Each award is made up of a combination of modules that can be studied as an intensive block or spread out over 12 months. The company’s training courses provide individuals with knowledge and skills to a standard of excellence that is recognised throughout the industry, ensuring that Lifetime graduates are in high demand.
Aware of today’s busy lifestyles, Lifetime has developed a number of distance learning study packs. Some of these include fully interactive CD Roms, which video-stream lectures thereby enabling students to rewind and review the contents again and again. As the lecture progresses three-dimensional diagrams illustrate the subject matter to really bring the subject to life. The interactive programme provides continuous opportunities for students to check understanding, with end-of-unit tests allowing immediate feedback on their progress. For students who feel that they might benefit more from a classroom environment, taught options are available for every award.
Kerrie adds: “As I’m self employed, if I don’t work, I don’t get paid, so for me, the distance learning option offered by Lifetime Training is a real bonus. They’ve been really friendly and helpful, and I’ve been able to tailor the course to suit my own personal requirements and lifestyle.”