I met Enni Bertling, a climbing coach and fitness professional, at the cozy Ristikko Climbing Arena. Enni is a successful climber herself, who switched from a research career to the fitness industry about 10 years ago. Currently, Enni spends her workdays coaching climbing, organizing climbing competitions, and maintaining and developing climbing conditions.
Enni's interest in climbing coaching arose when time for climbing was more limited in the midst of her life with young children, and she became interested in how one could develop more systematically in climbing. Enni pursued further learning about coaching at Kisakallio and began her vocational qualification studies (VAT) in coaching. According to Enni, the best part of the VAT training was networking with coaches from other sports. During her studies, Enni acquired many new tools for practical coaching and felt that her own coach identity was strengthened.
“During the VAT studies, I grew from an instructor to a coach.”
For Enni, the coaching role quickly transformed into a team leader position, and as responsibilities grew, it was natural to continue almost directly to study for a specialist vocational qualification in coaching (VEAT). Both studies progressed flexibly alongside work, and now, a few years post-graduation, it's difficult to distinguish where learning occurred during study periods and what learning has been gathered in professional life.
The work of a climbing coach requires continuous learning, which Enni mainly does through self-study at present. Climbing as a sport is constantly evolving, and the level of Finnish climbers is also rising. It is essential to keep up with international developments in sport skills and to seek learning by following the sport's top athletes. Ensuring good training conditions from beginners to competitors is also a key part of Enni’s work.
“It is important that training conditions facilitate development at all levels, even at the very top.”
Enni is a great example of how one can study for a profession from a personal hobby in the fitness industry and achieve a diverse and interesting career. Education has brought Enni confidence in her work and developed her skills to learn new things. New learning and continuous development occur all the time on the job.
Enni recently returned from the USA, where she sought the latest insights into organizing climbing competitions. She needs this expertise to organize national and international climbing competitions in Finland.
Enni Bertling
Vocational Qualification in Sport and Coaching, Coaching Competence Area (VAT)
Specialist Vocational Qualification in Coaching (VEAT)
Kisakallio Sports Institute