Wellbeing

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 may help when looking for a trainee management position.

Relevant subjects include:

• leisure management
• sport and exercise science
• coaching

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship and follow that up with a Duty Team Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

These usually take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 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 join a graduate management trainee scheme with one of the large leisure companies, if you've got a degree.

On a scheme, 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 could become an area or regional manager, with responsibility for the development of services among a group of leisure centres.

You could also work in:sports development; health and fitness promotion; spa and hospitality management; visitor attraction management