HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path starts with high school courses in physical education, health, leadership, and communications, plus volunteer work or part-time jobs with recreation centres, camps, sports teams, or community programs. Many employers prefer some postsecondary training in recreation, sports, fitness, or a related field, but the exact background can vary by employer, province, and role. Early experience leading activities, working with children, youth, or adults, and learning safety procedures is helpful. Some jobs may also value first aid skills, strong teamwork, and the ability to demonstrate activities clearly.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Plan and carry out recreational, athletic, fitness and sports activities
- Assemble supplies and sports and game equipment
- Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques
- Instruct groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities and lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs
- Attend to clients with special needs
- Provide lifestyle awareness information
- Conduct therapeutic recreational or athletic activities
- Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required
- Enforce safety rules and regulations
- Assist with co-ordination of special events
- Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports
- May train and supervise staff
- May maintain and repair sports equipment.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Interpersonal skillsLeadershipSportsTeam-building