By Andy H, Physical Training Instructor

 

Andy H, a Physical Training Instructor with the RAF specialising in adventure training, recently completed the UKSCA‑accredited Level 3 Strength & Conditioning Trainer Diploma with Athlete Focused. 

We spoke to Andy about his role, why he chose this pathway and how the course is already shaping his coaching and future career. 

 

Q: Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like for you? 

“I’m a Physical Training Instructor in the RAF, currently specialising as an adventure training instructor so these days I’m out in the mountains most of the time.
In my usual role at a unit, I’d be in charge of a gym, running circuit training and strength & conditioning sessions to keep people fit for military life.”  

 

Q: What motivated you to enrol in the UKSCA course, and how did Athlete Focused come onto your radar?  

“When I do leave the RAF, I plan to go into physiotherapy, so I wanted an industry‑recognised S&C qualification to strengthen this. The UKSCA was top of the list. I’d already completed other UKSCA workshops, like the weightlifting course, and realised there was a gap between the diploma and just starting out. Athlete Focused’s Trainer Award filled that gap perfectly.”  

 

Q: What was your professional or educational background before taking the course? 

“I completed an HNC in Fitness around 10–12 years ago, so it was great to update my skills and learn best practice based on the latest strength and conditioning research.”

 

Q: Why did you choose Athlete Focused as your provider? 

“At the time, they were the only provider in Scotland offering the Trainer Award. When I explored the website, it looked very professionalwith a credible team behind it, which gave me confidence in the quality of the course.”  

 

 Q: How did you find the tutor support and feedback? 

“Really good. I’m pretty independent, but whenever I needed help, Andy was always quick to respond with guidance. That support made a big difference throughout the course.”  

 

Q: Which part of the course had the biggest impact on your development?  

“The practical sessions in Glasgow were excellent — especially getting hands‑on with best practice around warm‑ups and having the chance to ask questions one‑to‑one.The programming element was also a big step forward. I work with a lot of general population clients, so I challenged myself to programme for an actual athlete. It pushed me to dive into periodisation and think differently about planning.”  

 

Q: How quickly were you able to apply what you learned? 

“Pretty much straight away. I’m big into rock climbing, so I’ve been offering programmes to climbers locally and putting everything into practice immediately.”  

 

Q: Was the course manageable alongside your other commitments? 

“Yes. Having the flexibility to complete the 12‑week programme over a longer period if needed was really helpful, especially when working with clients who might not be available consistently.”  

 

Q: What do you think are the biggest benefits of completing this UKSCA course? 

“It gives you best‑practice knowledge and lets you apply it straight away.
Because it’s so practical, you get to work through real endurance, anaerobic and power‑based components with guidance and feedback. Having someone there to help refine what you’re doing is invaluable.”  

 

Q: How does this qualification support your longer‑term goals? 

“I’m planning on leaving the RAF to go into physiotherapy. Physiotherapy courses are heavily clinical, so having this extra string to my bow — understanding programming and periodisation — will be really useful when working with athletes in the future.”

 

Ready to take your next step in Strength & Conditioning? 

The Athlete Focused Level 3 UKSCA‑accredited Strength & Conditioning Trainer Diploma is built to help people apply best‑practice S&C principles in real‑world environments. It’s hands‑on, expertly supported, and designed to fit alongside full‑time work giving you the confidence and capability to help people perform at their best. Courses run across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Northern Ireland and Central, Tayside & Fife. 

 

Learn more or book your place: athletefocused.com/services/education-courses