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Leisure, sport and tourism
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What does it involve?
Working in leisure, sport and tourism often means working when other people are enjoying their time off. This can mean working shifts and holidays. Places you might work include a leisure centre, travel agent, holiday centre or casino.
A lot of the jobs involve working with the public which means you need good customer care skills and are confident in dealing with complaints. However, you may get perks such as cheap or free travel and other discounts; there's also a chance you could be doing something you really love!
What's happening in the industry?
The leisure and sport industries are rapidly growing areas. There are over 3,500 private fitness clubs and over 1,500 leisure centres in the UK, employing over 50,000 people (1). The government is worried about obesity levels and this means there'll be more GP referrals for exercise which is good news for health and fitness clubs. The 2012 Olympic Games which are to be held in London will also encourage everyone to get moving and the government is giving lots of money to sports clubs to encourage us!
Another reason why the leisure industry is growing is because the average age of the population is getting older. This means there are more people with time to spend on leisure activities. Gaming and betting legislation has also changed which will mean more casinos opening although the bingo industry has been hit hard by the smoking ban.
There are lots of opportunities for young people in leisure, sport and tourism but there's a shortage of people with the right skills, especially management and leadership. Advances in technology mean that more people with computer science or electronic engineering degrees will be in demand.
Travel abroad has become cheaper due to low cost airlines but the cost of fuel can affect flying so things could change. Whether or not the pound is strong or weak against other currencies can also affect the tourism trade. When the pound is weak, we may decide to take our holidays at home but people from other countries may visit the UK because it's cheaper than in the past.
(1) Skills Active
What's happening locally?
How to get into this type of work
Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.
- School or college - study for GCSEs, AS / A levels, a Diploma, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.
- e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.
- Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.
- Work or work with training
Which skills?
- Customer service
- Team work
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Management and leadership
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
- Show initiative
What else can I do?
- Get some work experience.
- Brush up on some of your skills such as communication or customer care.
- Do a short course like a Young Leaders Award.
- Read about leisure, sport and tourism work on Jobs4U or look for the online EClips job descriptions in your school or nearest Connexions centre.
- Talk to your Personal Adviser.
