06/10/2026
Something I haven’t really shouted about before…
Solihull College has been shortlisted for Education Provider of the Year at the National Fitness Awards 2026!
And I’m incredibly proud of what that represents. Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked hard to create fitness education that prepares people for the real industry, not simply to pass an assessment or collect a qualification.
That starts with finding the right people. Interviewing potential learners, recognising genuine passion and potential, identifying strengths that can be developed and helping people understand whether this really is the right career for them.
Once they’re with us, the aim is to develop confident, credible and employable fitness professionals.
That means practical coaching, real client consultations, communication, professionalism, self-promotion and learning how to work with people - because knowing exercises is only a tiny part of being a great coach.
A huge part of this has been building relationships with local gyms, PTs and fitness professionals. Those industry links give our learners opportunities to learn from people actually doing the job, make connections and move into employment or self-employment themselves.
And none of this happens because of one person. I’m incredibly lucky to work with colleagues who support everything happening behind the scenes, and particularly grateful for the unwavering support of our Head of School, who has trusted my ideas, encouraged the vision and allowed us to keep pushing forward.
That support means I can bring my 22 years of industry experience into education while still learning from an established team who understand education far better than I ever could alone.
There is still SO much I want us to do.
More industry partnerships. More opportunities. More genuine pathways into employment. More learners leaving us thinking:
“I know what I’m doing. I belong in this industry. I’m ready.”
Being shortlisted is an enormous honour. But it doesn’t feel like the finish line. It feels like recognition that we are coming through.
