Fitness Australia steps in to support students affected by Sage Institute closure

Fitness Australia has committed to supporting students affected by the collapse of the Sage Institute of Fitness, following today’s announcement by the Administrator, Ferrier Hodgson, that its campuses and courses will close.

The Sydney Morning Herald has today reported that students at the troubled private training college, promoted heavily by realty TV celebrity ‘Commando’ Steve, had been told they must pay ‘outstanding fees’ before they can receive certificates that will enable them to continue their suspended studies elsewhere.

However, Fitness Australia has stepped with Chief Executive Bill Moore offering unspecified support to those enrolled in courses at the institution.

In a statement, Moore advised “at present, the Administrators have indicated that they will be working with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) to determine the current position of the students and the assistance that they will receive.”

Moore emphasised the robust nature of the fitness industry to deal with cases such as this, citing that collaboration with Fitness Australia’s wide range of major stakeholders will bring about a positive results for students.

He added “make no mistake, our industry is robust and won’t be affected by isolated cases like this one.

“We’re currently collaborating with major stakeholders and Registered Training Organisations to make sure that a clear path for student transition is made.

“It’s all about offering meaningful support to affected students.”

Fitness Australia have advised that they will continue to monitor developments, with the continuing education of students as top priority.

Sage, which trades as a range of associated training businesses specialising in fitness, aged care, education, massage and child-care among others went into voluntary administration in February.

Administrators Ferrier Hodgson initially intended to restructure the business and sell it and had been in talks with a Melbourne company but in a notice to students on Tuesday, Administrator George Georges said that plan would not be going ahead.

The notice advised "unfortunately, we have not received a Deed of Company Agreement proposal to allow the Group to continue to provide courses across Australia.”

In a statement released by Administrators, students have been advised to make contact with the ACPET Activations team on 1800 875 474 to discuss their situation.

Click here to read the Sydney Morning Herald article Sage rage: Tearful students told to pay up before they can make their next move.

Images: Past promotion for Sage Institute of Fitness involving 'Commando' Steve (below) and Bill Moore (below).

12th February 2017 - SAGE INSTITUTE OF FITNESS ENTERS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATION

21st December 2016 - AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT LOSES $2.2 BILLION IN STUDENT LOANS TO ROGUE TRAINING PROVIDERS 

9th October 2016 - SAGE INSTITUTE OF FITNESS LOSES BATTLE TO SILENCE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT 

11th September 2016 - ASHY BINES CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN OF BEING BILLED AFTER CANCELLATIONS

3rd April 2016 - STUDENTS SEEK ANSWERS OVER COLLAPSED FITLINK TRAINING COLLEGE

12th March 2016 - LEADING PERSONAL TRAINER SICK OF ‘FAKES’ AND ‘CASH-GRABBERS’ 

11th March 2016 - ACPET LOOKS TO CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS IN MEDIA REPORTS ON THE SAGE INSTITUTE OF FITNESS

6th March 2016 - ‘COMMANDO STEVE’ BACKED SAGE INSTITUTE OF FITNESS CRITICISED FOR MISLEADING STUDENTS

8th January 2015 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO CRACK DOWN ON ROGUE TRAINING BROKERS

11th November 2011 - PLUMMER WARNS OF THE DANGERS OF LOW-COST FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS

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