Student Employment Programme

The Sport & Exercise Student Employment Programme provides experience and industry related professional development in one of the country’s leading and most diverse sport, fitness and wellbeing settings.

About the programme

The team at Sport & Exercise are committed to your development – providing you with:

• A ‘student experience’ employment contract of 6–10 hours p/w, commencing 4th Sept 2023, ending 21st April 2024
• On the job training, delivered by our highly skilled team of sport professionals
• Opportunities to gain industry related training and professional qualifications, fully funded by Sport & Exercise
• Opportunities to gain valuable insight to the network of Sport & Active Health, which will undoubtedly enhance your employability potential
• A fun, positive and inclusive culture which is based around our core values of being Open to EveryBody, Anything is Possible and Enabling Excellence

Working at Pleasance Gym has been a highlight of my university experience. Through taking part in the programme I have achieved qualifications such as Level 2 Indoor Cycling and Level 2 functional training, alongside learning experiences with top educators from companies like Technogym, Eleiko and Wattbike! I would really recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in the gym”

What we offer

Learning opportunities 

A number of job specific learning opportunities and professional qualifications will be provided including:

• YMCA Gym Instructor (Level 2)
• Watt Bike Foundation Course
• Eleiko Strength Coach (Level 1)
• Lifting for Beginners Workshops
• Pitch side First Aid
• RLSS National Pool Lifeguard
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Technogym Skillathletic Course
• Mental Health Awareness
• Walk Leader Training

Job opportunities 

Gym Assistant:

Working as part of a team and with guidance from the Gym Team Leader, you will provide a safe, clean, fun and inclusive gym environment. Your main aim will be to enhance the gym experience for members and guests through excellent customer service and leading industry knowledge and skills.

Sports Assistant:

Working as part of a team, with guidance from the Duty Manager, you will be responsible for providing a safe, clean and inclusive sporting environment for members, guests and colleagues. You will deliver high standards of operational service provision and offer a proactive and effective department wide support.

Active Lives Assistant:

Working as part of a team and with guidance from the Active Lives Lead, contribute to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of students and staff across the University by promoting and delivering Active Lives activity, with the sole aim of encouraging the University community to be more active, more often.

Performance Sport and Sport Psychology Interns

These opportunities offer the chance to be part of the Sport team, working with a number of sports, coaches and athletes that are involved in sport at The University of Edinburgh.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Sport Assistant Programme at St. Leonard's. From the moment I started, everyone was so welcoming. I feel that I have been given ample opportunity to grow as an individual and develop my skills, whilst stepping out of my comfort zone when facing challenges, all which have led me to become more confident within the workplace.

Apply today

If you would like to be part of Sport & Exercise’ Student Employment Programme 2023–24; have a can-do attitude; possess a high level of passion and energy for delivering outstanding customer service and also have the desire to undertake professional development then we would like to hear from you:

Applications for our 2023-24 roles have now closed.

Important Information

Being a gym assistant over the past year has given me so many amazing opportunities and lots of experience towards a career in sport. I have been able to complete great courses including level 2 gym instructing and indoor group cycling, which have enabled me to teach classes in the gym. My highlight was being given the chance to go to London with the team and gain exciting, future ideas for Sport and Exercise. Everyone at Pleasance is so supportive and friendly, it is an excellent team to be part of.

For further information please contact sport.learn@ed.ac.uk