Training online has become the norm during the pandemic. Read Emma’s experiences of training in this new way with FLexercise.
Meet Emma
Hi, my name is Emma. I opened my dance school in Wigtownshire in 2006 and offer a variety of fun dance and dance fitness classes for children and adults. I love dancing and am lucky to be able to work full time in a job I love.
Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your point of view) I live in a rural area of Scotland. It’s a lovely place to live but training opportunities can be difficult to come by. We all know that CPD (continuing professional development) is vital if we are to stay at the top of our game. CPD enhances our skills, widens our repertoire and keeps our participants happy and on their toes.
The pandemic
In March 2020 my dance classes, like many others, had to stop due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Golly, that was a shock to my system! So I started to think of how I could do something positive during this difficult time. It was time to be brave.
I found FLexercise through EMD UK and the 10 @ 10 sessions on http://www.facebook.com/FLexerciseuk. and felt that FLexercise would be a great addition to my repertoire.
So, I took the plunge and enrolled on the FLexercise Level 3 Exercise Movement and Dance qualification in June 2020. I even received a bursary from FLexercise to help with the course cost which was gratefully received. I was even more delighted to know that I could do my training online.
Training online
From day one I received a warm welcome from Janice Gronow (Training Manager) and the training team. I was really impressed by the course materials which are so professional and informative. The online assessments required for the qualification have been easy to organise with the help of the training team.
At this point, I need to introduce our trainer Heather Jordan who we meet once a week via Zoom. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and supportive. Importantly, she has been patient and understanding as my work schedule has varied as we have been in and out of lockdown.
As the course is online, members of the training team and FLexercise teachers have joined the training sessions from time to time which has been great. Everyone is incredibly helpful and encouraging.
One of the big advantages to taking the course online is that we have been able to experience classes with FLexercise teachers from all over the country. I’ve loved zooming to the other end of the UK for class without leaving my house. I’ve taken FLexercise classes with Sally in Edinburgh, Alison in High Wycombe & Charlotte in Somerset. All the teachers are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to offer advice and encouragement to trainees. I’m so grateful for this extra support and experience.
What next?
Although I haven’t met anyone from FLexercise in person yet, however, I already feel part of a supportive and caring organisation. I am looking forward to completing the training soon so I can start teaching FLexercise classes in my local area. I am confident that with the support of the fantastic team at FLexercise I have everything I need to make my new classes a success.
We know career changes can be a bit scary. Find out how we can make it easier for you. https://www.fl-exercise.com/become-a-teacher/