Vicki Pinches

Vicki Pinches, Fitness teacher, 18 years' experience

Personal trainer, group fitness coach and Australia Day Award winner

A career in fitness allows you to make a real and lasting impression on your clients, and a positive contribution to the overall health of society. It's an expanding industry in Australia that offers variety and excitement, according to fitness trainer and teacher at BNIT, Vicki Pinches. 

"I have worked in fitness for 18 years, and it's a constantly evolving industry that's always vibrant and full of energy. It provides plenty of opportunity to try new things as well as immense job satisfaction, gained through helping others achieve their health goals."

Career snapshot

"I initially trained as a group fitness instructor back in the nineties whilst working for a government department in an administration role. I made the career changing decision to follow my dream and retrain in fitness and haven't looked back.

"Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work as a gym instructor, personal trainer and gym manager in health clubs in the UK and Australia including Fitness First, David Lloyd and Good Life, and have been fortunate to meet many different people from all walks of life.

"I'm passionate about fitness and love teaching group fitness classes. I am currently trained in Body Pump, Body Step, Body Balance, Body Attack, Body Combat, Spinning, Pilates, Punchfit… pretty much anything that doesn't involve dancing! 

"There have been so many personal career highlights over the years; I have being involved in opening new gyms, launching new products and developing training initiatives. I was one of the initial certified Spinning instructors and worked at the first club in the UK to introduce the concept of indoor cycling classes back in 1995."

Full of energy and rearing for a new challenge, Vicki chose to try her hand at teaching so she could share her skills and inspire the next generation of fitness professionals with her never-ending supply of enthusiasm. 

Keeping industry current

"I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing our graduates out in the workplace following their own dreams and starting off on their own career path."

"I enjoy my role at BNIT and it was a massive honour this year to receive an Australia Day Award for my contribution to teaching."

"I love teaching fitness and hope that in sharing my skills, knowledge and experience I can help inspire the next generation of fitness instructors and personal trainers who will then be able to positively change the lives of their clients. 

"I can't imagine life without teaching fitness classes so I've never stopped doing it, as if anyone could drag me away! Currently I work at Breathe Health Club and Dolphins Health precinct in north Brisbane teaching group fitness.

"The fitness industry is constantly evolving and it's important that BNIT is at the forefront of the latest trends and developments. Working in the industry also ensures my skills are current so I am able to disseminate the latest information and trends to our students." 

Vicki's industry insights

Needless to say, Vicki knows a thing or two about what the fitness industry is looking for in an employee, and makes sure she passes this on to her students.

"The fitness industry in Australia is rapidly expanding, so it's good for students to have a broad range of skills, to be skilled in both gym instruction and group fitness as it makes you more rounded and employable.

"It's fast-moving, so to remain competitive and thrive you need to stay on top of new developments and research. There are always opportunities to up-skill so you need to be self-motivated to continually learn and keep up with the latest innovations to remain ahead of the game.

"You must be passionate about helping people reach their fitness gaols, and have nutrition awareness so you can give clients information about leading a healthy lifestyle. You have to be driven by the success of your clients, rather than your own success.

"The fitness industry is also looking for people who are great communicators and flexible, as the hours aren't standard.

"Not to mention, you need heaps of energy and enthusiasm plus you need to take care in your personal appearance especially at interviews - you have to look and act professional.

"The most important thing is to practice what you preach!"

The BNIT difference

Vicki's lessons must be rubbing off on students, as BNIT graduates are highly sought after by industry and are snapped up immediately following, and many even prior to, graduating.

"At BNIT the fitness teaching team is passionate about offering a 'learning experience' to ensure our graduates possess the skills, knowledge, attributes and attitude to succeed in the industry.

"We provide a 'hands on' approach to learning; students are encouraged to explore all aspects of the fitness industry and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of fitness activities. 

"Students' are able to practice their skills by working with a range of individuals and groups to help broaden their vocational knowledge under the supervision of experienced industry professionals."

"Students run an eight-week fitness challenge, during which they work as personal trainers to staff and students on campus. This gives them a strong grasp of training principles and the chance to practice their skills before going out into the real world with paying clients, a big plus with employers.

"There is also an industry work experience component which has led many students to successful employment because it gives them the chance to demonstrate their skills to potential employers."

"BNIT offers a fun, exciting and supportive environment to learn and feedback from industry certainly suggests that BNIT graduates stand out from the crowd! We are consistently told our students have a great depth of knowledge and their practical, real world experience is greatly valued by employers.

"Gaining a fitness qualification via TAFE is highly regarded because students spend a longer time studying as opposed to at other RTOs. This develops a greater depth of knowledge, understanding and confidence as well as providing more practical application of skills. 

"BNIT fitness teachers keep current by continuing to work in the industry and are often contacted directly by employers for recommendations of students to employ and I am proud to say that many of my graduates are now working at fitness centres across Brisbane."

Don't take our word for it

One such student, Adam West, 28, completed his Certificate III and IV in Fitness and stepped straight into the role of Manager at Snap Fitness Chermside very soon after graduating.

"I absolutely learned from the best in Vicki. I felt I could go straight to the top with her training behind me. Not only was Vicki always happy to help, giving out great tips whenever needed, as a long-time, current fitness instructor she had a vast reserve of real life experiences and knowledge to draw from.

"Vicki was just outstanding. Her enthusiasm for the industry always got me motivated to keep going and she was a major part in me getting my current job."

"The 12-week challenge we did as part of our training, which Vicki led, was a massive contributor to me being able to get my job. During the challenge, we trained a real client which really set me up for success as with Vicki's training I was able to showcase my skills and really wow the boss.

"I am very glad I chose BNIT, because I think there's no way I would have gotten this job otherwise. Not only did the longer course structure allow me to develop extra skills and knowledge, but I also got great real-life experience and the best teachers! I definitely wouldn't have gotten the results and outcomes that I did without Vicki's involvement.

"If you come into the fitness industry with the right training, skills and attitude, I think you can definitely get the job. BNIT and Vicki gave me that, and here I am."