UKSCA Strength and Conditioning Trainer (Fort William)
What is special about this course?
Over the last five years, the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) has developed a new entry-level professional standard and education partner model to make high-quality strength and conditioning (S&C) accessible to more people.
This approach ensures that those working with youth and recreational athletes, older adults, or the general public are suitably qualified to deliver safe, effective S&C programmes. It also provides a clear route into the profession for PE teachers, sports coaches, physiotherapists, and fitness professionals who want to expand their skills.
The standard places strong emphasis on practical coaching experience, ensuring that learners not only understand the theory behind training design but also develop the confidence and skills to coach effectively.
The UKSCA model also helps to challenge common misconceptions about S&C. While Olympic lifting and advanced exercises are part of the discipline, S&C begins with fundamental movement skills and energy system development that benefit everyone — not just athletes.
UKSCA Accredited S&C Trainers (ASCT) typically complete 6–12 months of formal education (minimum Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework), alongside professional development and applied coaching practice.
Graduates of this standard are equipped to:
- Plan and coach S&C programmes for youth, adults, and recreational athletes.
- Support performance environments as part of an S&C team under the supervision of an Accredited S&C Coach.
Entry requirements
- At least 16 years of age
- Are aware that when qualified, they cannot operate independently until they are 18
- Able to communicate effectively in English (reading, speaking, listening, writing)
- Able to evidence personal or professional engagement in sport, exercise or strength and conditioning
- Able to agree reasonable adjustments for any barriers to access to this qualification
- Entry requirements will be discussed at an applicant interview.
You'll develop a range of practical skills and knowledge, including:
Foundation Movement Skills
- Squat
- Hinge
- Lunge
- Push/Pull
- Quadrupedal movements
- Rotations
- Running
- Jumping and landing
Energy System Training
- Training to improve aerobic and anaerobic endurance
Strength-Based Training
- Foundation movement competency
- Strength
- Muscular endurance
- Hypertrophy
- Explosive movements
Speed Training
- Acceleration
- Deceleration
- Change of direction
On completion, you will understand:
- The role of the Strength and Conditioning Trainer
- When to refer clients to other support or professionals
- The scientific principles underpinning strength and conditioning
- How to plan and deliver effective training programmes
- Technical models for fundamental movements and exercises
- Effective coaching methods
On completion, you will be able to:
- Deliver performance-led strength and conditioning programmes for a wide range of participants
- Apply the principles of training to design and deliver effective sessions
- Demonstrate, describe and coach effective movement, adapting as needed
- Design and write medium-term training plans based on a comprehensive needs analysis
- Observe, coach and provide feedback using agreed technical models
- Engage, educate and communicate effectively with participants from diverse backgrounds
Equipment
Students will need access to a computer, WiFi, and suitable training facilities to practice foundational movements and key exercises.
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
You will normally need to commit to around 18 hours per week of learning time, consisting of timetabled learning and personal study.
Timetabled learning will take place for 3 hours per week over a 12-week semester from January to May, with a 2-week break at Easter. Classes will alternate between theory and practical-based sessions.
Theory-based classes will take place face to face in Fort William or in an online virtual classroom, where you can connect and interact with your lecturer and classmates using video, voice and text chat.
Practical classes will take place at suitable training facilities in Fort William.
You will also complete flexible, self-directed study at a time convenient to you and should undertake personal training to practise movements and exercises.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available for learners with pre-existing relevant qualifications or experience, allowing them to skip certain elements of teaching. This may also result in a related reduction in course cost.
Assessments will be scheduled individually to suit each learner.
Where can I study my course?
- Fort William
Fees
The course fee for this course is £974.15.
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of this course, learners will be at an entry level to begin delivering strength and conditioning support to youth, general adult populations and recreational athletes.
They can bring the benefits of strength and conditioning to a wider population.
They may also work as part of a larger strength and conditioning team as an assistant under an accredited S&C coach, providing training support to performance athletes in more complex S&C programmes.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Please contact us if you are interested in this course and a member of our team will get back to you.
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.