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.

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

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

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.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

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

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.