The energie Group has opened its first commercial venture with North Hertfordshire College, which will officially open on January 31 2012.

Fit4less by energie in Stevenage will enable students studying health and fitness courses to learn in a real world environment. Once qualified, students will also have the opportunity to utilise facilities at the gym and start their own personal training, sports therapy, sports massage or beauty treatment businesses.

James Luscombe, General Manager at Fit4less Stevenage, said: "With unemployment at record levels, our partnership with the College is a great opportunity for students to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding before leaving their education environment. We are keen to work with the students and give them all they need to achieve the best start in a career as possible."

The energie Fit4less Stevenage location opened in December with an official launch planned for January 2012. The club opening marks the 16th Fit4less in the energie portfolio.

Luscombe added: "The commercial venture has presented us with a fantastic opportunity to link with the local community. In addition, we're giving customers state of the art equipment and facilities for a fraction of the traditional cost of going to a gym. The response to us opening has been incredible."