Leisure centre assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course, which may help when looking for work.

Courses include:

• sport
• leisure operations
• sport and leisure activities

Other qualifications, for example in fitness, swimming and coaching, will also be acceptable to employers.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

As well as learning how to support the day to day operations of a leisure centre, you'll also cover topics like:

• lifeguarding duties
• swimming teaching
• gym instruction
• leading group activities

This apprenticeship can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Volunteering

You could improve your chances of employment by getting practical experience in a leisure centre, either through seasonal work or by volunteering.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll find it useful when looking for work if you've got customer service experience and an interest in sport, exercise and fitness.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to sell products and services
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• business management skills
• administration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• a desire to help people
• active listening skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Leisure centre assistants set up and supervise activities like fitness and exercise classes, gym sessions and swimming.

As a leisure centre assistant, you'll:

• set up, dismantle and maintain equipment
• supervise activity sessions
• deal with enquiries, sell tickets and make reservations
• promote events and classes through social media channels
• show people how to use equipment safely
• keep areas and facilities clean and tidy

Location : You could work at a fitness centre or at a gym.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically active.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £23,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a team supervisor or manager. You could also move into fitness instructing, lifeguarding or sports coaching by taking the appropriate qualifications.