Job opportunities are available with both local authority and private leisure centres and health clubs, mainly in towns and cities, but also in some rural areas. Private centres normally include those in hotels, the workplaces of large organisations and holiday centres.
Leisure operations is a broad job with many different routes into it… It’s possible to start as a lifeguard or swimming teacher and then work your way up to a senior leisure operations role. Most will start as a leisure operation assistant and then eventually progress into leisure management. The pre-requisites don’t tend to vary and most leisure centres will require the following:
- GCSE Maths and English A* – C
- Experience working in a leisure centre
- Vocational Courses such as NVQs in Operational services
Apprenticeships are a very popular route for the leisure industry in general. Swim UK offer apprenticeships in Level 2 Leisure operations, which can then help you progress onto level 3 leisure management.
Like any job within the leisure industry, salaries vary from centre to centre. Some leisure centres would pay 20k whilst another would pay more or less. Leisure management jobs normally range between 25 – 35k per annum.