South Tyneside sports student in good shape for national competition

South Tyneside College sport student Megan Goodlad is going from strength to strength in a prestigious national talent test.
Megan Goodlad with Rob Grainey, South Tyneside College's Sport Maker.Megan Goodlad with Rob Grainey, South Tyneside College's Sport Maker.
Megan Goodlad with Rob Grainey, South Tyneside College's Sport Maker.

Megan, 18, is the only learner from the north-east to have reached the semi-final of the WorldSkills UK Fitness Trainer Competition 2016.

She overcame stiff competition to win the regional round of the gym instructor categoryand is one of just 12 students nationally to reach the semis.

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That round of the event takes place at Loughborough University on July 5, and will see her line up alongside 11 other competitors.

WorldSkills UK is the only active leisure skills competition in the UK for students working towards careers in the sport and leisure industry, and over 55 colleges and training providers have taken part.

Megan, who is in the first year of her BTEC Sub Diploma in Sport, won through to the regional round after impressing judges with her entry, online theory assessment, and online video showcase.

She said: “The regional round was really hard work but getting through to the semi-final made it all worthwhile. I’m pretty confident that I’ll make it to the final and will give it my best shot.

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“I couldn’t have done so well if it wasn’t for the great help and support I’ve had from my lecturers Lisa Edwards-Clay and Claire Elliott, they’ve been fantastic.”

South Tyneside College Sport Maker Rob Grainey added: “Megan has excelled and everyone who works with her is thrilled at her success.

“She is hard working, talented student who is determined to do well and has taken every opportunity to shine in the competition.

“We are the only college in this region to have someone get so far, which is tremendous reflection of the learning we give and of Megan’s individual skill and talent.

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“It’s great that she has won through to the semi-final, where I am confident she will give an excellent account of herself. I wish her every success.”

The final of WorldSkills UK Fitness Trainer Competition 2016, organised by AoC Sport, will be part of the WorldSkills UK Competition Finals at The Skills Show in Birmingham in November.

The competition has two categories - gym instructor and personal trainer - which test aspiring fitness professionals’ knowledge and skills, while participants also have the opportunity to compete at an institutional, regional and national level.

Participation provides a great opportunity to showcase student achievement and highlight the work of colleges and institutions.