Leisure duty manager
Level 3 · AdvancedBusiness and administration 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A leisure duty manager oversees the day-to-day operation of a leisure or sports facility such as a swimming pool, gym, or sports centre, ensuring safety, customer satisfaction, and compliance with regulations. At level 3, apprentices develop operational management, team leadership, and customer service skills alongside facility-specific technical knowledge. The role leads to leisure centre manager, operations manager, or regional leisure management positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Health and safety legislation relevant to leisure facilities including pool plant operation
Pool and facility operations including water quality testing and maintenance
Emergency action plans and how to lead the response to an incident
Team leadership and how to manage, motivate, and develop frontline staff
Customer service standards and how to handle complaints professionally
Financial responsibilities including cash handling, income targets, and loss reduction
Equality legislation and how to promote inclusive access to sport and leisure
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Open and close the facility following safe operating procedures
Carry out regular pool and facility safety checks during your duty
Manage and brief a team of leisure assistants, lifeguards, and instructors
Handle customer complaints and resolve issues promptly and professionally
Respond to and lead on incidents and first aid situations
Monitor income and footfall against targets and report variances
Ensure all team members comply with health, safety, and licensing requirements
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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