Leisure centre manager apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolea graduate training scheme
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sports and leisure management
- leisure studies
- sports science
- recreation management
- business management
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Leisure Management
- Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You could get into the leisure industry through a Level 3 apprenticeship as a leisure duty manager.
This will usually take 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
You may be able to start off as a Level 2 leisure team member apprentice and then apply for trainee management positions leading to the advanced apprenticeship.
Most people following this route have some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as an admin officer, fitness assistant or management trainee in a leisure centre, and work towards professional qualifications to become a manager.
Volunteering
You could improve your chances of employment by getting practical experience in a leisure centre, either through seasonal work or by volunteering.
Other Routes
You could apply for a graduate management trainee scheme with one of the large leisure companies if you've got a degree.
You would work in different areas of the business while completing professional qualifications to become a manager.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Leisure centre manager apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- leadership skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks and have a first aid certificate.
Leisure centre manager apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- arrange leisure activity timetables
- organise and promote special events
- recruit, schedule and manage staff
- control budgets and monitor performance targets for your centre
- take responsibility for health and safety
- visit organisations, like local authorities, to promote your centre
Working environment
You could work at a fitness centre or in an office.
Career path and progression - Leisure centre manager apprenticeships
You're likely to have more opportunities for promotion in larger organisations. With experience you may be able to become an area or regional manager, with responsibility for service development among a group of centres.
You could use your experience in leisure centre management to move into related areas like sports promotion and development, or building partnerships with local authorities and national governing bodies.