The service level agreement (SLA) signed between National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) and Johanna Sommers (see Thursday paper) seems to hit the nail right on the head. It regards the development of a curriculum for an SBO level 3 and 4/Associate of Applied Science degree in Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation Programme.
The complaint is often heard that local graduates have a hard time finding meaningful work on the island. One of the reasons is said to be a certain “disconnect” between the education system and the labour market.
However, this particular field would still seem to hold plenty of potential, also because people have become increasingly health-conscious and pay more attention to their physical conditioning. In fact, what was once dubbed “the fitness craze” has created many opportunities and jobs all over the world.
Additionally, a growing number of visitors who fuel the tourism industry want to participate in recreational activities that obviously must be offered in a professional manner to prevent negative consequences. One of the three specialisations mentioned is precisely a Sports Activity Coordinator to work in the hospitality sector.
But it’s not just about the economy: Most children aren’t getting nearly enough exercise these days and one of the reasons is a lack of qualified gym teachers as well as facilities and materials at school. If the planned new courses promote greater interest in this matter among both the business community and Government, that alone might be worth it.
