Listings - Sport & fitness

Sport & fitness

So, what's it all about?

It's an experience most of us have to undergo: the realisation that, despite those breathtaking goals we used to score in the playground, we're never going to captain our side to victory at Wembley.

Only a lucky few people get to play sport professionally. But the performers are only the peak of a large pyramid. Behind every athlete are teams of other professionals whose contributions are vital to their success.

Even a smaller Premiership team will employ more than 20 backroom staff: not just a couple of coaches, but physiotherapists, sports scientists, fitness specialists, nutritionists, sports therapists, masseurs, match analysts and performance consultants. While some of these work with the first team, others are devoted to bringing on talented young players in the academy.

And think of all the other people the club needs to employ. There's the marshals and stewards, who make sure tens of thousands of hyped-up fans are safe and under control. There's the ground staff and the facilities managers, who keep the pitch and the stadium in tip-top condition.

But this sector isn't just about professional sport: millions of people enjoy sports and other physical activities at community leisure centres, private health clubs, outward bound centres, after-school clubs... All of these need keen and motivated staff to make sure things run smoothly and safely, as well as to instruct, inspire and keep an eye on people.

How about being an aerobics instructor or a swimming coach, or taking people abseiling? People pay to do these things for pleasure in their leisure time - you'll be paid to do them during working hours (if you feel really guilty, you could always spend your free time sitting in an office staring at a computer screen to make up).

With the 2012 Olympics on their way to London, investment is being poured into promoting sports and fitness and improving facilities from community to professional level. There's never been a better time to start a career in the industry.

What qualities do I need?

be fit and active
have maths and science skills
have an interest in sports (a GCSE or A-level in PE could be useful)
be a good team player
have quick reactions and problem-solving capabilities
be a good communicator
be able to motivate and inspire
understand the importance of good nutrition
know how to conduct a warm up and exercise without straining muscles

Vital Statistics

Hours: Variable. You may find yourself working during other people's leisure time: evenings, weekends, holidays.

Environment: You're more likely to come to work in a tracksuit than a business suit, and may spend time working outdoors.

Location: There are openings in sport and leisure all over the country, and opportunities to travel to events abroad. The Olympics will bring jobs to East London in the run-up to 2012.

Apprenticeships in this sector

These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.