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Leisure centre assistant

Alternative titles for this job include Recreation assistant, leisure attendant

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£27,000 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

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 and fitness
  • leisure operations
  • active leisure and learning

Other sporting 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 apply to do a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

As well as learning how to support the daily operations of a leisure centre, you'll also cover areas 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 development and learning 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
  • administration skills
  • 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
  • manage records on a membership and booking system
  • deal with customer enquiries and pass on feedback to managers
  • promote events and classes at centres and through social media
  • show people how to use sports equipment safely
  • respond to emergencies and give first aid if required
  • 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 leisure team supervisor or manager. You could also move into fitness instruction, lifeguarding, swimming teaching 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 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £11,778 a year Annually
  • Location: Madden Road Devonport, Plymouth

Leisure Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,428.05 a year Annually
  • Location: Stamford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Sport and Active Leisure: Level 1 BTEC Diploma - Full Time

  • Provider: NORTH EAST SURREY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY (NESCOT)
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Epsom

BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure

  • Provider: LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: Loughborough
Find courses near you

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