As a trainer and educator at UOW College, Emma is passing on her lifelong experience and passion to a new generation of students.
Emma has been an integral part of the College’s Fitness programs for the past five years, after she was recommended for the job by her mother, who herself worked at UOW College in a similar capacity.
“My mum was a trainer here, and after I completed my Diploma in Fitness, I always wanted to focus on the vocational education side of the industry,” she says.
“I’m very passionate about health, fitness and education, and I wanted to share my passion and knowledge with students who felt the same way.
“I’d always had a passion for fitness and health. I grew up in that environment because that is what my mother did. She’s now in her 60s and still in the industry.
Emma says she remembers as a young girl going to workshops with her mother that had just a handful of people.
“Now those are just so big, and I love that the younger generation is bringing new ideas into the industry,” she says.
“Today it’s much more inclusive; there are so many more niches. Back in the day there was just a gym on the corner.”
It’s the younger generation that now inspires Emma in her work, and she says the small class sizes and close working relationship she has with her students are the most fulfilling aspects of her job.
“I love building rapport with each student as an individual, learning about their stories and why they have entered into the course,” she says.
“I also love watching their journey as they develop through the course and seeing them employed at the end is really fulfilling.
“We have such a diverse group of students, from high school students doing their EVET course, to students with a disability, and older adults. There are also those who are working full-time in other careers and looking to change careers.
“They come from all walks of life, and some are using the certificate courses in fitness as a pathway into university.”
The combined experience of all the educators, trainers and mentors at the College means that students get a world of experience and knowledge, says Emma.
“Between us, we hold around 40 years of combined experience in the industry, which is really important for our students,” she says.
“And we are all open with our experience because it is real-life. We encourage our students to see the reality of what they are doing, and we are passionate about building their knowledge.
“We get to know all of our students, and they know that we would go above and beyond for them.”
Interested in studying a UOW College Fitness course? Find out more.
Emma Donald
Trainer
Fitness Programs
UOW College Australia