Leisure and Recreation Assistants
8AI EXPOSURE TODAY8
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST53%
NOT A FORECAST53%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE →
Leisure and Recreation Assistants
Leisure and Recreation Assistants play a pivotal role in enhancing community well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles across the UK. By facilitating engaging activities and ensuring safe environments, they contribute significantly to the physical and mental health of individuals from all walks of life.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (8), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Leisure AssistantAs a Junior Leisure Assistant, you will support the delivery of leisure activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. This entry-level role is ideal for those starting their career in the leisure sector.£20,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCELeisure SupervisorIn this mid-level position, you will oversee daily operations, manage a team of assistants, and ensure high standards of service delivery. You will also play a key role in planning and implementing new programmes.£30,000
3PEAK CAREERLeisure Centre ManagerAs a Leisure Centre Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the facility, including budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning. This role requires strong leadership skills and a passion for promoting health and fitness in the community.£50,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Sport Rehabilitation and ConditioningUniversity of Northampton, the · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Sport and Exercise ScienceUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median
🎓Sport and Exercise SciencesUniversity of Gloucestershire · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median
🎓Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation YearBirmingham City University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£23,000 median
All Sport and Exercise Science courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Sport Rehabilitation and ConditioningUniversity of Northampton, the · DegreeSport and Exercise ScienceUniversity of Brighton · DegreeSport and Exercise SciencesUniversity of Gloucestershire · DegreeAccountancy and SportUniversity of Stirling · DegreeDance and FitnessDancebox Theatre Works · DegreeSport and Exercise Science with Foundation YearBirmingham City University · Degree