Fitness Mentorship Program

PURPOSE

The Trails Park and Recreation District (TPRD) Fitness Mentorship Program is designed to create a structured, supportive pathway for individuals who are certified but lack professional experience in fitness instruction or personal training. This program offers hands-on, supervised mentorship to help participants gain the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to transition into a Group Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer role. The program also supports TPRD’s goals of staff development, community engagement, and sustainable talent recruitment.

MENTORSHIP STRUCTURE

This program typically spans 6 to 8 weeks and provides guided, hands-on experience with existing instructors and trainers. Mentorship participants will receive one-on-one time with the Fitness Supervisor and/or Fitness Coordinator, followed by structured shadowing opportunities with current fitness staff. As the program progresses, participants will gradually move into co-teaching or assisting with training sessions.

While scheduling specifics (hours per week, days, and times) will vary based on staffing and availability, participants are generally expected to commit 10-15 hours per week. The Fitness leadership team will coordinate all scheduling and ensure mentorship activities align with program goals and staffing needs.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Participants accepted into the mentorship program will be hired as temporary part-time employees of TPRD. Mentorship participants will be compensated at the applicable Colorado minimum wage for all hours worked during the program. As part-time, non-exempt employees, participants are subject to TPRD policies, wage and hour laws, and must complete standard onboarding requirements prior to beginning the program.

EVALUATION AND COMPLETION

Throughout the mentorship, the Fitness Supervisor will gather input from the staff members serving as mentors to assess the mentee’s progress. Upon completion of the program, the Fitness Supervisor will be responsible for making the final determination of successful program completion.

To complete the program successfully, mentees must demonstrate the ability to perform the essential duties required of a Group Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer. This includes, but is not limited to, instructional skills, professionalism, communication, and class readiness.

POST-MENTORSHIP TRANSITION

Once the Fitness Supervisor determines that a mentee has successfully completed the mentorship, the individual will be offered a permanent position with TPRD. The mentee will receive an official offer letter, which will include a competitive pay rate based on experience, role expectations, and current department compensation standards.

CERTIFICATION REIMBURSEMENT

Mentorship participants who are hired by TPRD as permanent employees upon successful program completion may be eligible for certification cost reimbursement based on their continued employment. Reimbursement will follow the terms outlined in the Fitness Department Reimbursement Policy, with eligibility as follows:

• 50% reimbursement (up to $500) after 1 year of continuous employment.
• 100% reimbursement (up to $1000 total) after 2 years of continuous employment.

Proof of certification and original payment receipts must be submitted, and employees must remain actively employed in good standing to qualify.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

To be considered, candidates must hold a current, valid national fitness certification. Certifications from AFAA or ACE are preferred. All candidates must complete the TPRD hiring process and meet applicable employment requirements prior to beginning the mentorship.