Career Focus/Leisure Management: Some time ago, the Government did a bit of research and came to the conclusion that Irish people might have a lot fewer heart attacks if they were a bit fitter. Olivia Kelly reports
A number of employers also began coming round to the idea that fit employees last longer and are a bit more durable both mentally and physically. The result has been a huge increase in the number of community and company leisure and health clubs. There are now more than 1,000 dedicated facilities in the State. This is good news for anyone interested in a career in leisure management.
"The last five years has seen the largest growth in the leisure industry," Kilian Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management, Ireland, says. "There's been a whole new interest in health and fitness; more money in peoples' pockets and more investment, particularly with the tremendous growth in the hotel sector."
The Government has also started investing in leisure facilities, says Fisher. The State's network of local authority swimming pools, some of which had fallen into a serious state of disrepair, is currently benefiting from a major new redevelopment programme which will see fully equipped fitness suites added to the refurbished pool facilities. The Sports Council has initiated local sports partnerships to encourage the development of sports and leisure activities in the local community and the Department of Health is running a long-term health and fitness campaign.
There are a number of different leisure and recreation management courses in the Institutes of Technology, including the DIT, Waterford IT, Sligo IT, Athlone IT and Cork IT. Some courses have specific areas of interest such as aquatics or coaching, but all equip students to work in a variety of positions in the leisure industry and all courses involve some element of work placement.
"The industry is looking for multi-skilled people. The more skills you have the more employable you are," says Noel Collins, a lecturer in recreation and leisure management at the faculty of business and humanities in Cork IT.
The Cork IT course operates on the ladder system and students build their skills as they progress from a two-year certificate to a one-year, add-on diploma. Students achieving honours at diploma level can do a one-year add-on degree in business studies. Along with management, marketing and computer skills students also acquire life-saving, swimming, massage and coaching qualifications.
Leisure management graduates have a variety of career options open to them, from sports development and community development officers to community and leisure centre management and health centre management, and the management of various sports clubs. They may also find positions managing entertainment and cultural centres and events. "At the moment the demand for graduates far outweighs the number of available students," Collins says.
The success of many leisure and recreation facilities hinges on the individual manager, says Noel O'Connor, head of the school of hospitality management and tourism at the DIT. "It's a profitable business with high gross profit percentages, but it needs good managers to make it work."
However profitable the industry, the wages for leisure managers are not particularly attractive, with an average graduate entry salary of less than €18,000. However, says O'Connor, this usually increases to €23,000 - €24,000 after three years and sometimes there are perks such as accommodation or a Dublin living allowance and company cars.
Physical fitness and a business interest are obvious requirements for the job, but good people-skills are also important, says O'Connor. "It's very important to be innovative, creative and flexible and have good interpersonal skills."
