Leisure centre assistant job

Type of Job

Working as a leisure centre assistant is an active job that involves helping and supervising people using leisure centre facilities.

What is the job about?

The daily duties of a leisure centre assistant will vary according to the size of a facility. At bigger centres roles are more specialised, while working in a small centre you may be involved in a wide range of activities.

Typical duties include:

• Working at reception, selling tickets, making reservations
• Keeping facilities clean and tidy
• Setting up, dismantling and maintaining equipment
• Ensuring the pool is clean, safe, and properly maintained
• Working in a catering area, for example selling food and drink.

Key Skills & Knowledge needed

To be a leisure centre assistant it helps to have an interest in sports and fitness. You will also need:

• Good customer service skills
• A basic awareness of health and safety
• Good communication skills
• Flexibility - hours will be variable, as will duties
• Willingness to do the routine tasks needed to help to facility function properly
• Physical fitness and stamina - you will probably be on your feet for much of the day

Qualifications and experience needed

There are no specific qualifications needed to work as a leisure centre assistant. Customer service experience would be an asset, while coaching awards and lifeguard qualifications can also be useful. Most employers also require a first aid certificate, though many will provide training for this.

You can also qualify via an Apprenticeship scheme. As these vary depending on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers, check out the Apprenticeships website.

What other training and development could I do?

If you want to move your career forwards, the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management (ISRM) offers the Operations Certificate (an introductory qualification for front line staff). Other ISRM courses include:

• National Pool Plant Operators Foundation Certificate
• National Pool Plant Operators Certificate
• National Pool Plant professionals Update Training.
  
  

Other routes would involve qualifications such as the NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations: Operational Services.

Salary and benefit expectations

Leisure centre assistant salaries range from around ?12,000 to ?20,000 a year.

Where else can I go for more information?

Good sources of further information are:

SkillsActive
Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
www.skillsactive.com

Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM)
SportPark
Loughborough University
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3QF
Tel: 01509 226474
www.isrm.co.uk