Leisure managers work in local authority leisure centres as well as in the growing number of private health clubs throughout Britain.
They are responsible for managing budgets; overseeing the development and marketing of new programmes and services; supervising and training staff; and generally ensuring that their centre is running a quality, customer oriented service.
There are a number of career paths for people wanting to work in this field. School leavers with few qualifications, people with vocational qualifications and degrees, and mature students bringing expertise from other areas of study can all make their way into leisure and recreation management.
Trainee posts are scarce and competition is fierce. In most instances, therefore, some form of further education is required.
Vocational courses are offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the City and Guilds of London Institute.
Leisure management courses are also available at degree level in a few Scottish universities.
Professional qualifications are offered by the Institute for Sport, Parks and Leisure and the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management, who are also good points of contact for advice on careers in this field.
Further information can be obtained from your local careers service or, if you are still at school, your guidance teacher.