Creative Sport & Leisure (CSL), Future Fit Training, Institute of Swimming (IoS) and RLSS UK have entered into a consortium to deliver in partnership the Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship Standard. Industry employers have been part of developing this standard which responds to their workforce needs.

Where previously team members may have dedicated themselves to the position of lifeguard, personal trainer or swim teacher, the new standard has pooled the resources and expert knowledge of the consortium, to create a standard that upskills existing employees and aims to generate an influx of fresh talent for the leisure industry.

The comprehensive, rounded training provided by the new standard will focus on lifeguard duties, swim teacher duties, leisure and fitness operations, leading group activities and gym instruction, as well as offering candidates the chance to undertake operational duties, customer-facing duties and team working.

Apprenticeship Overview

The role of the Leisure Team Member is to support, enhance and deliver the day to day operations and services of a leisure/fitness facility.

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, the Leisure Team member will be eligible to become an affiliate member of the CIMSPA.

Key Responsibilities

Working as part of a team, it is the responsibility of the Leisure Team Member to undertake a range of operational duties such as assisting with the opening and closing of the facility, undertaking routine maintenance of equipment and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the environment. Alongside these operational functions, they ensure programmed activities and services are available for customers. Beside their operational duties, there are five key areas of work all Leisure Team Members will cover, leisure and fitness operations, lifeguard duties, swimming teaching duties, gym instruction and leading group activities.

Qualifications Included

Apprentices without Level 1 in English and Maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and Maths prior to taking their end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.

A RLSS UK Qualifications Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding

One of the following: A Swim England Level 2 in Teaching Swimming or A STA level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming.

A Level 2 Certificate in Fitness or Gym Instruction awarded by; 1st4sport qualifications, Active IQ, Innovate Awarding, NCFE, VCTC or YMCA Awards.

A Level 3 Certificate in First Aid (to be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as a separate part of the RLSS UK Qualifications Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding).

Entry Requirements

The entry requirement for this apprenticeship will be decided by each employer, but may typically be five GCSEs at Grade 4 (or equivalent) minimum, including English and Maths. You may also choose to consider applicants based on relevant prior experience.

Programme Level

Level 2

Job Roles

The Leisure Team Member reports to the Duty Manager and will typically cover a seven-day week on a rota basis resulting in shifts that may include weekends, early mornings, evenings, and public holidays. Job titles include Recreation Assistant, Recreation Supervisor, Leisure Attendant, Leisure Assistant, and Leisure Professional.

End Point Assessment Method

Practical observation
Question and answer
Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

Duration

18 months

Delivery Method

Apprentices should work for at least 30 hours per week, including ‘Off the Job’ training. The 20% training is delivered by Creative Sport & Leisure, either at the workplace, off-site, or via e-learning. The training is specifically tailored to ensure your apprentices develop the skills they will need to thrive in your workplace, giving apprentices a real advantage with career progression and allow the employer to build a future workforce.

Progression

Learners can progress to the Leisure Duty Manager Apprenticeship at Level 3.

If you are a learner wishing to enrol on this apprenticeship please take a look at live vacancies here www.creativesportandleisure.co.uk/Apprenticeship-Vacancies, if there is not anything suitable for you listed, please contact CSL’s Training Team on [email protected].

Alternatively, if you are an employer wishing to upskill your current staff or recruit an apprentice, please contact CSL’s Operations Team on [email protected] or telephone 01268 552218.