Tom Rogers

When did you study at RNC?

2014-2016

What courses did you study?

ITEC Level 3 Massage and Complementary Therapies
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training

Tom who is now a personal trainer, said he had a really positive experience with RNC's Careers and Transitions Team from assistance in creating a CV to general professional advice.

'We received practical advice on how to run our own business from how to communicate professionally with clients to how to budget and keep track of your finances because most massage therapists are self-employed. Prior to that I did a work skills course in my first year of sixth form which also helped prepare me for self employment.'

Tom said that part of the RNC experience included budgeting, a valuable life skill that can be applied to aspects of students personal and professional lives.

For his work experience, he also spent a week working with Anna Robertson, a cricket coach at a local cricket club. He also spent a week working professionally as a massage therapist at thePoint4, which, he says, really gave him a flavour of what it is like to work consistently through the day dealing with a large number of clients.

After leaving RNC, Tom set up his own business working out of a gym as a personal trainer. He hopes that one day he will have his own gym. 'Long term it is what I see myself doing, it is what I really enjoy.'

Tom, who also plays VI rugby with the Change Foundation, pan-disability football and mainstream 11-a-side football, did not always dream of working in the sports and fitness industry.

'Growing up, I was pretty good at maths so I thought I would do accounting because I wanted to make money. I did a year at sixth form before going to RNC. I started volunteering for a youth club for people with disabilities. I wanted to be involved with sport and I attended a careers event at the RNIB and that's where I heard about RNC.'

Tom added:

'I think the most important thing is to do something that you enjoy. It is really important to find the right balance so you can make enough money to live but also be happy to go to work every day.'