Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Working Life

The main duties of a Leisure Centre Assistant involve assisting in the day-to-day running of the centre and dealing with customers on an on-going basis. A key responsibility is to assist in providing a healthy and safe environment for guests, including hygiene and water testing.

At the start of a shift, the leisure centre assistant may prepare and set up equipment for various activities. He/She also greets guests and provide information about the facilities and activities available. There may also be queries and bookings to respond to over the phone and via e-mail throughout the day.

Many assistants supervise different areas of the facilities and encouraging guests taking part in activities and carry out maintenance and cleaning duties when needed.

As a leisure centre assistant, you can work in different types of establishments, such as Hotel leisure centres, gyms and leisure centres, holiday/theme parks, or even for local authorities or universities with leisure centres.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
• Organise, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
• Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
• Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
• Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
• Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
• Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
• Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.

Further Information

• Leisure Centre Assistant- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

This is an entry level job where specific qualifications or experiences are usually not required. You may receive in-house and on the job training when you start working in a leisure centre.

Getting Experience 

To improve your chances of getting a job as a Leisure Centre Assistant, build up as much work experience as possible and you can often do that by volunteering in local not-for-profit sport clubs and organisations. Through this type of experience you will have a better understanding of the role, and make contacts who may help you to find paid work.

With experience and further qualifications, you may progress to a supervisor or manager role within an organisation. Alternatively, you can may choose to move into Fitness Instructing, lifeguarding or sports coaching in the Leisure, Sport, and Fitness Sector.

Key Skills Certs:

Garda Vetting: Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. 

Child Protection training.

Manual Handling certificate refers to physical activities in most workplaces, and in particular when the activities involve lifting heavy objects which could result in back injury.  

Occupational First Aid (Phecc, ADA-Defib).

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: equestrian international instructor BHSAI, sports recreation and exercise, outdoor activity instructor, surf instructor beach lifeguard.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: customer service, leisure sport and fitness studies, leisure management, sports coaching and recreation.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: sports coaching and leisure management, health leisure and recreation courses.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €42k

Spa Manager: 30 - 45
Leisure Club Manager: 25-42
Spa/Beauty Therapist: 25 - 26
Fitness/Gym Instructor: 25 - 30

Average Leisure Assitant salary is 25k. This salary depending on duties, role, location, experience, and employer.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Excel

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sports and leisure assistants; travel agents; air and rail travel assistants; holiday representatives, tour guides; Leisure and theme park attendants; Travel agency managers; proprietors Leisure and travel service occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels grew between 2021 and 2022 for this occupation, numbers employed remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. The numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation are too small in the Labour Force Survey for further analysis but the CSO Census data shows that approximately half of those in this occupation worked as air travel assistants or travel agents, with 2022 levels for these roles well below their 2016 levels.

Approximately a third of persons employed in this occupation work part-time, higher than the national average. The extent to which employment in these occupations will recover to their prepandemic levels is uncertain as affordability and attractiveness for air travel services in particular remains vulnerable to increased energy costs, and consumer demand and preferences given the green agenda and cost of living pressures.

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