Customer services

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a 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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Relevant subjects include:

• leisure management
• sport and exercise science
• coaching

Apprenticeship

You could get into the leisure industry through a Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 1 year and 6 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Once you have completed the apprenticeship, you can take further training on the job to move into trainee duty management positions.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as an admin officer, swimming teacher or fitness coach and apply for a place on a management trainee scheme in a leisure centre. You could then work towards professional qualifications to become a manager.

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.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a first aid certificate

More information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

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

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you may be able to become an area or regional manager, with responsibility for service development among a group of centres.

You're likely to have more opportunities for promotion in larger organisations.

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 for different sports.