Physiotherapist + personal trainer = ?

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong discussion section, I wasn't really sure where to put it. I would be very grateful for some career advice, and I don't mind who gives it to me...

I'm a new graduate in the UK and obviously with the current job situation I'm struggling to find anything. I've had 1 interview in York, which I only got because I was in the right place at the right time. (it seems to be the way at the moment) I recently received confirmation that I was unsuccessful and I phoned today to get feedback, which I think I can use positively towards my next (please!) interview. I knew I didn't have the job because there were at least a few better candidates there who had qualified in previous years and had been working on temporary contracts. - I've heard similar things from others too..

There is a chance that I will be able to do some work with a local non-league football team (unpaid) to keep up my skills, and I am phoning around to see what else I can do. For money I am attempting to make use of my lifeguard qualification at a local health/leisure centre, hopefully acquiring free membership with it.

I have considered the possibility of working abroad (NZ, Aus, Canada, etc.) but from what I have seen, NZ is off the cards because I only did a 3 yr course and Canada & Australia are both notoriously difficult and expensive to gain registration with.

What I would like to ask (sorry it took so long to get here) is whether it would be a good idea to take a course as a personal trainer?
From my initial research it can be expensive (£2000) to train in, but surely it would contribute to my physiotherapist skills and be a fairly lucrative career option in itself. Please don't think me arrogant, but I also think I would be in a good position (in terms of my physio knowledge) to fly through the course fairly quickly.

I haven't given up hope of finding a physio job, but I'm just trying to weigh up my options.

I would be so appreciative of some opinions on my situation. Have you heard of any others doing anything similar? Do you think the combination of qualifications would compliment each other? or fight with each other like a couple of rabid dogs? Do you know of any reputable/recognised qualifications?

hi,
I should say I was in a similar situation some time back. The only advantage I had over you was that I had a year worth of proper physiotherapy experience abroad and that i was persuing my masters. It was really difficult to get into the system but then what my friends and myself did was to apply as Phyiso assistants, apply for unpaid physio services in nhs trust and privately. It helped quite a bit to apply as assistants. (They mostly absorb you as a physiotherapist as soon as they can) in the mean time keep applying in local clubs and in university to act as a TA.
Keep skils alive by reading and discussion with friends, internet groups.
To apply as a fitness instructur is not a bad idea, if you have the money do it. Apply in other countries as well and there is a system as a live in physio and carer for some patients the pay is good in such cases.
Dont loose hope . Apply far and wide all over UK. I used to spend majority of my time applying and atlast all that paid off and belive me you will land a job. In them mean time go to some NHS trust esp in remote towns or villages and apply as a voluntary physiotherapist. they will run a CRB on u and then keep you. that will count as physio experience. Also apply for research post so u can get a full scholarship to dop ur masters if you have decent grades in the physio school you might get that.
these are all your options. you might need to conisider other countries as a last resort. there are agents with whome you can register for free and take the registration only if you get the job so u dont have to spend any extra money too.

I hope this helps buddy :D . All the best. :)

hi i think is a good idea, go for it

Thanks Physiocrazy for your advice. It is encouraging to hear success stories of those who have been where I, and many others are now.

I am still in a state of unemployment, but I am awaiting an interview for this lifeguard position to tide me over. No more word from any physio jobs.

With regards to your comments, I have a feeling the CSP wanted to put a stop to voluntary work experience because it was setting up a system where graduates' desperation was being taken advantage of and used as free labour.. I'm not sure if they actually did anything about it though..

With regards to working as an assistant, I have already very much considered this, however, I have heard horror stories of graduates working as TA's for 2+ years and still not securing a staff grade post.

I would be grateful if you would elaborate on the "live-in physio/carer" jobs you mentioned (if you can) or if you could give me a link to a relevant website. Are these positions generally abroad? Would they not require a certain amount of post grad experience?

Also thank you Yarok for your kind words of encouragement!

I would very much like to hear from someone who has trained as a personal trainer, but I'm not sure if this is necessarily the place to ask...

Hi Baby physio,
By the way nice name ;)
Don't stop making applications for physio jobs. Keep applying as many as you can.
Live physios/carers do not need any experience. It is generally taken up by physios just to fill their pocket with the much needed green paper(money that is). these positions are avaliable in UK .Im not very sure if it is present elsewere. Here you live in the pts. house and also help the pt with a little of daily activities. Mostly the pts are bed ridden... well I still think soemthing is better than nothing.
Be sure to keep checking the sites of agents.u can even land up some locum jobs in uk (mostly in remote places where no one wants to go well thats where u can get some experience) and make random google searches. Well all the best with your lifeguard job....
If I come accrose any such posts for live in carer ill let you know.
all the best