Through coaching, physical education, leisure management, journalism, sports science, physiotherapy, and many other areas, the world of sport and physical recreation provides a rich variety of interesting and rewarding career opportunities.
It is estimated that as many as 40,000 people are employed in the Scottish sport and leisure industry.
Before starting out on any career path, it is extremely important to seek professional guidance by talking to your local careers service, which will be listed in the telephone book. If you are still at school you should talk to your guidance teacher.
The government once published the slogan 'finding a job is a job in itself'. That job is made much easier if you know where to look in the first place.
Newspapers and magazines
The national newspapers are always a good place to start looking for vacancies. The Scotsman and Herald publish a separate recruitment supplement every Friday. Otherwise look out for details in your local papers.
Publications specialising in recruitment in the sports industry include Leisure Opportunities.
Recruitment agencies
In addition to published sports recruitment sources, you can also access potential vacancies through specialist recruitment agencies.
Please click on the selection of websites in our "see also" box.
Please note that an agency's listing here does not constitute an endorsement by sportscotland.
Seasonal and summer vacancies
BUNAC
BUNAC offers jobs to young adults (aged 18-35) working with children, teaching sports in summer camps. These are private sports camps, church camps, inner-city camps and camps for children with disabilities.
Return flight, visa and insurance are arranged by BUNAC. Board, lodging and salary will be provided at the camp. BUNAC allows up to six weeks for independent travel after the camp.
Camp America
Camp America arranges programmes for young people (18-35) to work on American summer camps for 9 weeks. Camp America provide free return flights, board and lodging, pocket money and up to 2 months for independent travel. Applicants must be available from June to September.
PGL Young Adventure
PGL Young Adventure recruit 3000 seasonal staff for their activity centres in the UK, France. They are looking for energetic young people (aged 18-30) to instruct children in a fun and safety conscious environment.
The company recruits for long and short term vacancies from February to October. Qualified instructors are required to teach a range of sports including: sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, abseiling, fencing and motor sports.