The Active Leisure and Learning Sector is a growing industry. The industry encompasses five sub sectors, namely sport and recreation, health and fitness, the outdoors, playwork and the caravan industry. The industry is largely based on the leisure and recreation. However, each of the five subsectors play an important role in the UK economy and the Governments agenda to improve and promote healthy living. Altogether the sector employs around 663,000 people. In addition to its paid workforce, the sector has a large voluntary workforce. Employment in this sector has continued to grow by 1.4% in the last year.
Each subsector in more detail:
Sport and Recreation
This subsector has a growing workforce of 371,800in the UK. This is spread across the public, private and voluntary sectors. In addition to paid workforce this subsector also has 1.9 million volunteers. The sub sector covers a range of sports provisions from grass roots community projects through to professional sports men and women at the peak of their performance.
Scope of the sector:
Since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the UKs sporting provision has been in the spot light. The sector played an essential role in ensuring the delivery of the Games was effective.
Health and Fitness
The health and fitness sector is the supervision of exercise and physical activity. The UK has thousands of fitness clubs, leisure centres and gyms for public use. Being fit and healthy is an important part of everyday life and a real focus for the government agenda which outlines the need to promote regular exercise. This industry employs a paid workforce of around 51,500. Over the last decade, this sub sector has recorded rapid growth, both within the private sector, but also through the government’s agenda to support healthy living.
Scope of the sector:
The Outdoors
The outdoors provides a range of exciting activities, comprising education and recreation. The outdoor subsector has a paid workforce of 26,400. It is also supported by a large number of volunteers. This could be as many as 61,600. This sub sector has close ties with other sub sectors (namely sport and recreation and playwork) and is categorised into five key sub areas:
This sub sector supports many salaried positions and a large number of voluntary and seasonal posts. The outdoor sector makes a substantial indirect contribution to the UK economy, for instance, to related tourism and retail through its participative encouragement.
Playwork
The playwork sector facilitates children’s play outside the educational curriculum for 4-16 year olds. It takes place where adults support children’s play in settings. These can include:
Some settings offer registration, where children have to be signed in and out of the setting and others offer open space provision where children can arrive and leave unaccompanied. Playwork settings will be subject to care standards and regulations appropriate to the country they operate in (OFSTED for the UK).
Play is crucial in a child’s life. It allows for learning and social development as well as a healthy lifestyle. The industry employs around 146,700 paid adults and contains a high proportion of volunteers.
The Caravan Industry
The caravan sector employs over 90,000 people, these jobs range from high tech manufacturing to park maintenance. Within the sector there are a number of complex and diverse skills – from the management, operational and technical requirements of holiday and home parks to caravan manufacturing, repairs and retail.
There has been a significant increase within the business, with growing numbers of people buying and holidaying in caravans.
1.2 – Explain the contribution that Active Leisure and Learning makes to the economy and society.
The Active Leisure and Learning industry contributes a great deal to the economy and to society.
Each sub sector in more detail:
Sport and recreation
Sport and recreation involves physical activity and improving physical fitness and well-being. The sport and recreation industry is estimated at around 5.2 billion pounds, which accounts for 0.56% of the UKs output. There is real interest in the sports sector, ranging from the impact of sport on the economy to the regional economic impact of hosting large international sports events. Sport is a way to engage the socially excluded and prevent young people from offending. It also combats obesity.
Employment in the industry accounts for 60.5% of the active leisure and learning industry. 89% of the workforce are employees and 11% self-employed. However, 47% of workers are employed part-time, compared to 22% across all sectors in the UK.
The sport and recreation workforce in the UK is predominantly female (57%) and has a much younger age profile 9aged 16-24 years0 then in the economy as a whole. Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the industry: 95% of employees are white compared to 93% in the whole economy.
26% of the workforce hold a level 4 or 5 qualification which is lower than the whole economy (29%). 31%of the workforce hold a level 1 qualification and 27% hold a level 2.
Key drives in the industry:
Health and fitness
The health and fitness industry focuses on the supervision of exercise and physical activity. This can be within an individual capacity or group – in a controlled environment. This can include to promote physical activity and the general concept of promoting well-being. There are a large number of public leisure centres which provide facilities with multi-sport facilities and there are facilities within educational facilities.
The health and fitness industries value is around 650 million pounds which is 0.07% of the whole of the UK output. UK employment within the industry accounts for 8.4 % of the active leisure and learning industry with 42% of the industry being employed full time, 45& part time and 13% self-employed.
The industry has a high turnover rate, partly due to people having high expectations about the wrk which are not met. New staff often lack experience so start in a lower level job role and face low pay, shift work and limited career paths.
The workforce is predominantly female (51%) The majority of occupations are biased to women particular exercise to music instructors who are 88% female. The industry has a much younger profile than the economy as a whole. Ethnic minorities are under-represented in the industry: 95.4% of employees are white compared to 93% in the whole economy.
31% of the workforce hold no qualification or a level 1 qualification. But 70% feel that technical and practical skills are important in their job roles. 23% of the workforce hold a level4 or 5 qualification which is lower than the whole economy (29%). 22% of employees in the industry have reported vacancies of which 9% are hard to fill. This is due to low number of applicants with the required skills. 41% of employers have one skills shortage vacancy.
Key drives in the industry:
Key priorities within the industry are to: increase attractiveness of the industry, develop career paths, encourage professional development, sustainable funding for training and increase the diversity of the workforce.
Playwork
Playwork facilitates children’s play outside of the educational curriculum for4-16 year olds. Some professionals within playwork may not be fixed to one site. For example play rangers and children’s service managers will work face to face with different children and groups.
The industries value is approximately 1.8 million pounds, which is 0.16% of the whole UK output. The industry also makes a significant social contribution towards improving lives of children, building communities, improving health and reduces crime. UK employment in the industry accounts for 23.8% of the active leisure and learning industry.
This industry falls into the voluntary, statutory and private sectors. Plauworkers are mainly employed by voluntary or charitable groups and volunteers are estimated at 13% of the workforce. Many playworkers are paid as well as voluntary. The workforce is mainly made up of part time and seasonal workers. Holiday play schemes are the main source of seasonal employment however, this makes turnover high.
Most people start work in the sector with no qualifications but there are regulations in place that govern minimum qualifications of staff. In England, OFSTED have published day-care standards which say that at least half the staff working in play settings with children under eight years must have relevant level 2 qualification. The person in charge must also have an appropriate level3 qualification. 42% of the workforce stated that low pay compared to other industries is a factor that would make them leave the sector.
The workforce is predominantly woman (87%) and there are less young workers in the sector than in the economy as a whole. This can vary by setting as holiday play schemes have a high proportion of male workers and a much younger age profile than the industry as a whole. The industry is predominantly white (91.4%). However, there are regional differences in the ethnic background of workers:
Playworkers are generally higher educational achievers but their qualifications are not necessary related to playwork. 50% pf playworkers hold entry level or level 2 qualifications as their highest qualification. Over a third of employers have a hard to fill vacancy because of lack of interest in the job and a low number of applicants due to un-sociable hours.
Key drives in the industry:
The outdoors
The outdoor industry is a diverse industry encompassing the ‘traditional’ area of outdoor education. It has an estimated value of 430 million pounds and this accounts for 5.1% of the total UK output.
Outdoor workforce characteristics:
Caravan industry
The caravan industry encompasses caravan manufacturing and services, caravan sales and caravan parks. The industry is almost entirely commercial, with virtually no public or voluntary provision. 41% of caravan parks are run as partnerships, 39% as private limited companies, 15% are sole traders and 3% are membership organisations.
There are a total of 4,089 parks in the UK, which is expected to increase as demand grows. As the work in the industry is seasonal, employment numbers can increase by an estimated 7% in the summer. 16% of the workforce are self-employed as many independent parks are family owned. 66% of the workforce are male. There is a large amount of people working in the industry in the middle age group.
Ten caravan industry has a value of 1 billion pounds, which is 0.11% of the whole UK output.40% of employers have vacancies and 57% of employers with vacancies reported that they are hard to fill. Recruiting enough cleaners and housekeepers is difficult. Recruitment difficulties can also be because of lack of applicants, few interested in the jobs and not the right attitudes, motivation and personality. Future skills within the industry include: general IT and management skills, technical and practical skills plus IT professionals.
Key drives in the industry:
1.3– Explain the role of the sector skills Council responsible for Active Leisure and Learning Sector.
What is the sector skills council?
The sector skills council is an independent, strategic UK-wide organisation. They are responsible for skills and workforce development of those employed in the Active Leisure and learning Sector – from professional staff to tradesmen and women, admin staff, support staff and other workers. They also cover all sizes of companies. From large organisations to the self-employed. Each sector skills council is an employer led organisation that actively involves trade unions, professional bodies and other key stakeholders. Collectively all sector skills councils form the Skills for Business Network, which is responsible for tackling the skills and productivity needs in the UK. All Sector Skills Councils are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
What is their purpose/role?
Sector skills councils were established to influence how training is delivered in the UK. They all have the same four key goals:
For the first time, the sector skills council gives direct influence on training policy and are looking at education and training at all levels.
What is the vision for skills and knowledge development in the UK workforce?
The vison for the sector skills council is to increase knowledge levels within the UK to meet the challenges being faced by UK manufacturing. All levels of staff will need to increase their skills levels to meet this challenge. Particular skills that will be required include team working and communication, supervisory and management and product and process innovation.
How will the sector skills council effect their vision?
The Sector Skills Council has carried out reviews of the skills needed and trends for industries and are developing strategies to meet those needs. This has involved a four step process
Skills Active is the Sector Skills Council for the Active Leisure and Learning Sector. It provides training, sports funding, national occupational standards and works with groups within the sports industry.
1.4– Define the main subsectors within the active leisure and learning sector.
The main subsectors and what they offer within the Active Leisure and Learning Sector are:
Sport and recreation –
Health and fitness
The Outdoors
Playwork
Caravans
Out of the five sub sectors, sport and recreation is the biggest employer (60% of employment) followed by playwork (24%)
Learning Activity 1: Read about the Sector Skills Council (SkillsActive)
http://www.skillsactive.com/
Visit this website and read about the SkillsActive Council. Make notes about how they support the industry and what they can do to support you further in your career. Look at all sectors so you get a clear picture of each area. Now research other areas where you can gain support and advice for your sub sector and make notes.
List of figures, tables and learning activities
Figures
Figure 1: http://www.istockphoto.com/gb/photo/businessman-builds-a-tower-gm515604620-88577133?st=6b7e3ed
Figure 2: http://www.istockphoto.com/gb/photo/human-resources-gm496663596-78677941?st=3133680
Learning activities
Learning activity 2: Identify the organisation’s key aims (for example, mission, core aims and values)
2 – Understand the key features of the Active Leisure and Learning subsector in which they work.
2.1 – Describe the composition of their subsector in terms of public, private and voluntary organisations.
There are three sectors used within the Active Leisure and Learning Sector; the first is the public sector which is a facility that is funded by either the government or charity. The second is the private sector, which is organisations run by themselves with no funding. The third sector is the voluntary sector, where people volunteer for their community to help.
Public sector
This sector is the largest provider of sports and leisure opportunities in the UK. The government has invested largely into this sector to encourage people into sport.
Further details:
Private Sector
This sector offers services to the local population. It provides activities or fitness classes in order to make a profit.
Further details:
Voluntary Sector
This is the largest sector of all three. It is a combination of large, medium and small organisations. The sector is estimated to involve eight million people of all ages across the UK.
Further details:
2.2 Analyse the size of their subsector in terms of employment and participation.
Before the recession, the sector employs over 675,000 people in the UK and contributed to £9bn to the economy. The sector was growing at almost twice the rate, yet still not offering the same level of service and facility that were being offered by other nations. Although the recession could not have come at a more difficult time as far as the Olympics/Paralympics were concerned, the government and sporting agencies still expected the Olympics/Paralympics to provide hugh positive developments, investment and public participation, which it did.
The effect of the recession however is not universally negative, this depends on what you read. For example, membership to sports clubs and subscriptions continue to rise. The only area that recorded a drop in memberships were Golf clubs. SkillsActive confidently claims that, despite economic factors, the sector is performing better than the UK economy.
The sports and recreation subsector, is a mix between paid (public and private sector) and unpaid (voluntary). Funding therefore, are extremely diverse ranging from voluntary contributions, local authority funding and private membership fees. Most clubs are affiliated to one of the national governing bodies and are able to tap into some form of training, accreditation and development.
The Health and fitness subsector includes exercise and physical activity at public and privately owned leisure centres, fitness clubs and gyms. Health and fitness is closely linked to sport and recreation and often overlaps with it at publicly‑funded leisure centres, which account for just under half of the sector. Sports, particularly swimming, rely completely on the use of public facilities run by local authorities or public private partnerships/trusts, and schools. The other part of the fitness industry is commercially run and accounts for almost 60% of gym memberships.
As well as being an increasingly important aspect of the economy and social interaction, this subsector is becoming ever more connected with government initiatives on health and obesity. The government sees the sector as one of the key agents through which it can achieve its targets in these areas.
Facts and figures:
The outdoors is the smallest of the five subsectors. Nevertheless, it is a very wide subsector in terms of activities and employers
Activities include:
Many of the above overlap each other. The sector comprises private, public and voluntary organisations and is extremely customer based. The outdoor sector also plays a hugh part in the government policies. For example, the responsibility for children living a healthy lifestyle and reducing child obesity. The sector could not function without volunteers. The subsector is growing fast. It has a great seasonal employment and user participation, especially in school holiday activates.
Playwork is the facilitation of children’s play outside of the educational curriculum for 4‑16 year olds. It extends across the public, private and voluntary sectors, providing after school clubs, holiday play schemes, adventure play grounds, parks, play buses and breakfast clubs. The sector is made up of both private and voluntary providers and often rely on funding subsidies and tax credits to make parental contribution affordable. Health and safety play a hugh part in this sector and training is crucial.
The caravan subsector is diverse and complex, employing multiple skills. It is almost entirely private sector. Over the years there has been an increase in professional, skills training and qualification due to regulatory frameworks being introduced.
2.3 Interpret the economic and social value of their subsector.
The strong demand made by employees for more and better quality coaches and training resulted in a £2 million investment by the Sports Board to develop both volume and quality of coaching workforce. More recently there has been funding allocated to encourage more women to enter the coaching profession.
Nationally Sports England made available £60 million of funding to build the capacity of the sporting workforce. Additional investment to address priority skill needs of exercise professionals and workers in the outdoor sector has also been identified.
Job opportunities
As the industry spans the public, private and voluntary sector, there are a wide range of career and vocational opportunities available in both paid and unpaid positions. The sectors include both professional sportsmen and women, who may ultimately achieve world-wide success in events such as the Olympics and Paralympics Games. Plus a growing workforce of leaders, managers, operational staff, sports administrators, officials, fitness instructors, stewards, activity leaders, recreational assistants, play workers, events officers, marketers, trainers, lifeguards, athletes, coaches, outdoor education specialists, ground staff and teachers who are ultimately behind the success of the vast range of facilities and settings.
It is important that we assist the private sector in improving levels of productivity by addressing skills and recruitment issues. There is also a need to grow the sector’s market share to enable it to capitalize on opportunities. Such as, government policies to improve levels of fitness and health through sport.
Predictions concerning new job opportunities varies. However, there will be growth in all sub sectors. The biggest growth will be in coaching, teaching and instructors.
2.4 Explain factors causing change in their subsector.
Over the next five years there will be competition from other sectors and sports organisations which will encourage the recruitment of women and people of different ages, ethnic origins, backgrounds and employment history.
Employers will need to demonstrate:
2.5 Explain the essential principals, values or codes of practice in their subsector.
The Active Leisure and Learning Sectors principles, values and codes of practice is to have a highly skilled and competent workforce in an industry equipped to fulfil its potential at the centre of the economic and social development of the UK.
Its goals are to:
SkillsActive works around the UK to achieve the government objectives regarding health and fitness. They work with employers to ensure that works are appropriately skilled and qualified and work in close partnerships with sports councils and other sports bodies.
The SSA (Sector Skills Assessment) was published in 2006. It identifies the following national priorities:
The Sector Qualification Strategy was published in 2007 and approved in 2008, it includes the vision statement to have a framework of vocational qualifications and training needs met and delivered by a quality workforce and is appropriately funded. Further and higher education within the workforce is of value to the sector however, employers feel that college leavers do not necessarily have the skills needed to enter the workforce.
The key actions for realising this visions are:
2.6 Describe the roles of key organisations in their sector, including any representatives and regulatory bodies, trade unions and trade associations
The principal organisation in the sector are:
Other relevant organisations are:
SkillsActive
SkillsAcive is the main organisation for the Active Leisure and Learning Sector. There details are:
SkillsActive Castlewood House 77‑91 New Oxford Street London WC1A 1DG
Tel: 020 7632 2000 Fax: 020 7632 2001
Email: skills@skillsactive.com Website: www.skillsactive.com
SkillsActive role is to create a framework of qualifications, training and CPD based on knowledge of the industry. It ensures that workers can access the right qualifications. So that the workforce is appropriately trained and qualified.
2.7 Explain the links their subsector has with other industries.
The Active Leisure and Learning Sector have a number of links within the sector between each sub sector. Looking in detail at the sports and recreation industry, we will look at the industries that sports link to:
Nutritionist – Guiding people to eat the best foods.
Rehabilitation expert – To help clients getting them back to the way they were before an injury.