Leisure Duty Manager

The Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship develops the skills needed to manage the day-to-day operation of leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, sports halls, fitness suites and other activity areas. Individuals learn to ensure facilities are safe, clean, secure and fully prepared for scheduled activities, while providing visible leadership to teams including lifeguards, reception staff, coaches and fitness professionals. The role focuses on staff management and development to maintain high standards of service and operational efficiency.

What to expect taking a Leisure Duty Manager qualification

When taking a Leisure Duty Manager qualification, learners can expect to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to manage the day-to-day operations of a leisure facility. The apprenticeship covers areas including facility management, front line people management, customer service, legal and compliance, business support, and financial responsibility. Participants will gain experience in coordinating activities, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, and responding effectively to incidents and customer needs. The qualification also focuses on developing leadership and communication skills, enabling individuals to confidently manage diverse teams, support staff development and ensure the facility operates efficiently and professionally.

What will be learnt during the Leisure Duty Manager qualification

Individuals will learn to maintain safety, cleanliness, and security, handle emergencies and incidents, and ensure programmes and activities run smoothly. Apprentices also develop staff management and leadership skills, including motivating teams, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development. In addition, they gain customer service expertise, understand legal and health & safety compliance, and learn business and operational skills such as cash handling, stock control, reporting, activity planning, and using IT systems to manage bookings and facility operations.

Applicants should hold a First Aid at Work certificate or National Pool Lifeguard qualification (NPLQ), and a Level 3 Pool Plant Operator certificate prior to entry onto this qualification.

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Comprehensive leisure leadership training

The Leisure Duty Manager qualifcation combines operational, leadership, and customer-focused skills in a single apprenticeship, giving learners the ability to run multi-functional leisure facilities safely and efficiently while leading different teams. Unlike other roles, it equips individuals with hands-on experience across a wide range of leisure-based areas – from pools, sports halls, and fitness suites to crèches and outdoor facilities – alongside skills in health and safety, customer service, staff development, financial management, and business operations. Essentially, it prepares apprentices to manage every aspect of a leisure facility front-line operation with professional accountability.

Level 3 Leisure Duty Manager

Minimum of 12 months

Developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to manage a leisure facility.

Level 3

Minimum of 12 months

Level 2

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" We're thrilled to support Leisure Duty Managers to gain new and additional skills and knowledge to help them run their leisure facilities, support and lead their teams, and make sure every visitor has a safe and enjoyable experience. "

Carrie Tovey, Leisure Duty Manager Trainer Coach, Haddon Training

What happens after completing the Lesiure Duty Manager apprenticeship?

After completing the Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship, individuals will have the skills and experience to progress to more senior management roles within the leisure industry, such as Centre Manager. They will also be eligible to become a Member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), opening further opportunities for professional recognition and career development.

Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship FAQs

Why take a Leisure Duty Manager qualification?

A Leisure Duty Manager qualification is ideal for anyone who wants to build a career running and leading leisure facilities. It teaches how to manage day-to-day operations, maintain safety and cleanliness, deliver activities, and lead diverse teams. Learners also gain customer service, legal compliance, and business management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and staff development. The qualification equips individuals to take responsibility for the smooth, safe, and enjoyable operation of a multi-functional facility, making it perfect for those who enjoy hands-on work, teamwork, and supporting people to be active and healthy.

How long does it take to complete a Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship?

Our Level 3 Leisure Duty Manager apprenticeship will typically take between 15 and 18 months to complete. This qualification is a full-time, work-based programme, allowing you to learn while on the job and earn a salary. Through this approach, you will acquire skills tailored to match your particular job requirements.

How much does a Lesiure Duty Manager qualification cost?

Apprentices do not need to pay for their qualification. They receive a wage and are entitled to employee benefits, including a contract of employment and holiday entitlement.

While employers may incur a small cost when taking on an apprentice, depending on the apprentice’s age, the majority of funding is provided by the Government, and in some cases, additional incentives are available to employers.