Leisure team member
Level 2 · IntermediateHealth and science 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A leisure team member works in a sports and leisure facility such as a swimming pool, gym, or sports centre, providing excellent customer service and maintaining a safe environment for all users. At level 2, apprentices develop practical skills including lifeguard duties, fitness instruction, or facility operations depending on their role. The apprenticeship leads to leisure supervisor, duty manager, or specialist instructor pathways.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Health and safety responsibilities in a leisure environment
Pool and facility safety procedures and emergency action plans
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or equivalent rescue and first aid skills
Customer service techniques for welcoming and supporting diverse users
Cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of leisure spaces and equipment
Basic facility operations including pool water testing and chemical management
How to promote leisure activities and encourage participation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Supervise swimming pools and open water areas as a qualified lifeguard
Carry out routine facility checks and report faults or hazards
Welcome and assist members and visitors at reception or poolside
Set up and pack down sports equipment and activity spaces
Test pool water and make chemical adjustments following safe procedures
Respond to accidents and emergencies following the facility's action plan
Clean and maintain changing rooms, poolside, and gym areas to standard
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 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
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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