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Leisure centre assistant

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£23,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Leisure centre assistant

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Volunteering

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

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Career tips

Some employers may prefer you to have a qualification in first aid, gym instruction or lifeguarding.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for professional learning and career development opportunities.

Further information

You can find more information about working in leisure from CIMSPA.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work at a fitness centre or at a gym.

Your working environment may be physically active.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Leisure Team Member Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,721 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,

Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £12,314 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Sport, Fitness and Active Leisure Award

  • Provider: ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Newport

Sport and Active Leisure Level 1 Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Southend-on-Sea
Find courses near you

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