Leisure Centre Assistant
What is the work like?
As a leisure centre assistant you would help and supervise visitors using leisure centre facilities. You would have a wide range of duties, including:
- setting up, dismantling and maintaining equipment
- making sure all areas and facilities are kept clean and tidy
- selling tickets and making reservations
- swimming pool maintenance and safety
- staffing a helpdesk in reception
- helping in the catering section, selling food and drink.
In a small centre you may be involved in all of these activities. At a larger centre you may be able to specialise in a specific area, such as swimming pool supervision or outdoor sports.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would not need any particular qualifications to be a leisure centre assistant. Qualifications such as BTEC national certificates in Leisure and Tourism or Sport could be useful, but are not essential.
You could have an advantage when looking for work If you have customer service experience. Relevant qualifications such as coaching awards and lifeguard qualifications can also be useful (although coaching is not usually part of the leisure assistant role). You may need a first aid certificate.
You will need CRB clearance.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens in new window).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a leisure centre assistant there are several qualifications you could do to help progress your career.
You could complete the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management (ISRM) Operations Certificate (an introductory qualification for front line staff) and other ISRM courses including:
- National Pool Plant Operators Foundation Certificate
- National Pool Plant Operators Certificate
- National Pool Plant Operators Update Training.
You could also work towards NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations: Operational Services.
With experience you may be able to work towards supervisory qualifications, such as those offered by the ISRM. Visit the ISRM website for details of qualifications.
Where can I go for more information?
Castlewood House77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU
Tel: 01509 226474
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Leisure centre assistants can earn from £12,500 to around £15,500 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would probably work around 40 hours a week. This would include shifts covering evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Depending on the type of centre, you could work either indoors, or outside in all weather conditions. Your job could be physically demanding, as it may involve setting up and moving equipment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in sport and fitness activities
- awareness of health and safety
- good communication skills
- flexibility
- willingness to do routine tasks
- physical fitness and stamina .
What opportunities are there?
You could look for jobs in any of the growing number of leisure centres run by local authorities and private sector companies, hotels and holiday centres.
When you have gained experience and further qualifications you could be promoted to a supervisory or management position. Another option would be to train for a specialist area such as fitness instructing, lifeguarding or sports coaching.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
Leisure JobsLeisure Opportunities
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