ISSA and Life Time Launch Guaranteed Interview Program for Eligible Certified Personal Trainers
PRNewsWire
Published: Sep 15, 2026, 12:17 PM
Sentiment Analysis
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of trainers and instructors to increase by 7% from 2025 to 2035, with an average of 68,000 openings annually, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and Life Time (NYSE: LTH ) today announced a workforce-focused expansion of their partnership: A Guaranteed Interview Screening program for ISSA Certified Personal Trainers (CPTs).
The initiative creates a direct bridge between certification and employment, giving eligible ISSA CPTs access to a guaranteed interview screening opportunity with Life Time, the nation's premier healthy lifestyle brand.
At a time when employers across industries are rethinking how to build reliable talent pipelines, ISSA and Life Time are applying a certification-to-career model to one of the country's fastest-growing professions. The timing is deliberate: Life Time is in the midst of one of its most active growth periods in its 30-plus year history, and that growth translates directly into jobs. Across the athletic country clubs opening through the end of 2026, Life Time expects to bring hundreds of new certified trainers onto its team, making programs like this one a timely bridge from certification to career.
"This is about turning education into employment at scale," explained Warren Heffelfinger, CEO of ISSA. "The demand for qualified fitness professionals is accelerating nationwide. By expanding our partnership with Life Time, we are helping create clearer career pathways while supporting real job growth in communities across the country."
ISSA and Life Time have collaborated for several years in education and professional development. The new Guaranteed Interview Screening program represents the most significant evolution of that relationship, formalizing a streamlined hiring pathway for job-ready trainers who meet ISSA's certification standards. Life Time also supports the development of current and aspiring fitness professionals through Life Time Academy, which provides certification programs, practical training, mentorship and career-focused education.
For certified trainers, the program reduces uncertainty at a pivotal moment, immediately after earning credentials. For Life Time, it provides efficient access to a vetted, nationally distributed talent pool trained in coaching fundamentals, client safety, and professional readiness.
"As we continue to grow with more locations in great markets, access to high-quality, career-ready professionals is essential," said Dustin Greenig, National Director of Business Operations at Life Time. "This expanded partnership strengthens our hiring pipeline while creating meaningful employment opportunities in a rapidly expanding field. It's a model that aligns education directly with workforce demand."
The program is activated through Career Connect, ISSA's employment platform that connects certified professionals with leading employers. Eligible ISSA CPTs can view Life Time opportunities and begin the interview screening process directly through the platform.
Industry observers increasingly point to employer-aligned credentialing partnerships as a solution to workforce shortages across healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. ISSA and Life Time's approach signals a similar shift within the fitness sector, where certification is becoming not just a professional requirement, but a direct entry point into structured career opportunities. With tens of thousands of projected openings annually, the fitness profession is emerging as a significant contributor to national job growth. ISSA and Life Time's expanded partnership positions both organizations at the forefront of building a more intentional, scalable workforce model.
Source: PRNewsWire
This content is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation. Any opinions expressed are solely the personal views of each article.