What's Happening?
F45 Training has developed a Department of Defense (DoD) approved SkillBridge Fitness Internship Training Program. This initiative aims to assist active-duty service members in transitioning their military experience into careers within the fitness industry.
The program allows military interns to be placed at F45 Military host studios for up to six months (180 days) at no cost to the host studio. The primary goal of the internship is to provide training, education, and preparation, with the expectation that participants will be considered for employment at an F45 location upon completion. Interns will gain experience in coaching, motivating members, conducting consultations, correcting exercise form, promoting F45 services, and handling service desk responsibilities. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will become Certified Personal Trainers (CPTs).
Why It's Important?
This program is significant for several reasons. For active-duty service members, it offers a structured pathway to civilian employment in a growing industry, leveraging their discipline and leadership skills acquired in the military. It addresses the challenge many service members face in translating their military experience into marketable civilian skills. For F45 Training, it provides a pipeline of highly motivated and disciplined potential employees, while also contributing to a positive public image by supporting military personnel. The initiative also benefits the fitness industry by bringing in a new cohort of trained professionals. The DoD's approval underscores the program's credibility and its alignment with efforts to support military transitions, potentially setting a precedent for other industries to create similar programs.
What's Next?
Active-duty service members interested in the F45 SkillBridge Program are encouraged to submit applications to F45 Military Host studios for consideration. Interns will be required to actively work towards obtaining and completing their Fitness Certification, CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and AED Certification within the first eight weeks of their internship. Upon completing the program, participants will be certified and considered for employment at an F45 location. The success of this program could lead to its expansion, potentially increasing the number of participating F45 studios and the volume of service members it can accommodate. Other fitness organizations or industries might observe the outcomes of this initiative and consider developing similar DoD-approved transition programs.
Beyond the Headlines
The F45 SkillBridge program highlights a broader societal effort to support military personnel as they reintegrate into civilian life. Beyond the immediate career benefits, such programs can help address issues of veteran unemployment and underemployment, fostering a smoother transition that benefits both the individual and the economy. It also underscores the value placed on the unique skills and work ethic developed through military service, recognizing their applicability in diverse professional settings. This initiative could also influence public perception of the fitness industry, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility and its role in community support. The emphasis on certifications ensures a high standard of professionalism among the transitioning service members, contributing to the overall quality of fitness instruction.
