What qualifications do employers look for?

Employers in the active leisure and learning sector value quality work experience, vocational qualifications and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively on all levels, as key characteristics in the recruitment process. A solid grounding in academic studies including English and Maths at GCSE, and potentially PE at either GCSE or A level carry a lot of weight with recruiters across the sector.

Traditional entry qualifications such as first aid, health and safety, introductory coaching awards, the Sports Leadership awards, and life guarding qualifications are, and always will be valued by employers. Currently many higher level qualifications such as honours degrees are not classed as essential on job descriptions and recruitment adverts.

Evidence of working on activity camps, in after school clubs, and at local sports or athletic clubs is increasingly valued. Working in a voluntary capacity is one of the best ways of entering the sector at any stage of life, and as 2005 is the Year of the Volunteer, and with well over 5.8 million volunteers already involved in active environments, there's never been a better time to get involved.