Industry overview

The sport and recreation sector has a wide ranging impact on Australian society. Over 70 per cent of people in Victoria participate in some form of sport and recreation and the sector employs about 80,000 people. Sport and recreation also has an important impact on other sectors of the economy such as tourism, retail and hospitality.

The employment and training characteristics of the sport and recreation industry include a high level of contract, casual and part-time employment; a high number of micro and small businesses; limited entry level employment opportunities for 15–19 year olds; and limited opportunities for structured on-the-job training. The sector employs relatively few professionals, with most people employed in operational positions. Staff turnover is high because of poor career structures and low wages. Volunteer involvement is strong in the outdoor recreation, sport and community recreation sectors.

Verve works closely with the following sectors to establish industry needs:

• sport — outdoor venues, indoor venues, sports administration, sports coaching and sports officiating
• community recreation — leisure education, community recreation activities and adaptive recreation
• outdoor recreation — outdoor clubs, holiday camps, recreation equipment hire, outdoor activities, and parks and gardens
• fitness — fitness services and fitness facilities.

Industry trends and issues

The sport and recreation industry is growing at a faster rate than any other industry, and this trend is expected to continue.

Significant employment growth is expected for fitness instructors, massage therapists, media-related occupations and business and information professionals working in the recreation sector. Other industry occupations such as sportspersons, coaches and related workers and sport and recreation managers are also expected to show steady growth over the next five to ten years.

Industry sectors showing potential for increased growth are ecotourism/adventure tourism, sports tourism, event management, and fitness and health related services.

The ageing population and concerns over the problem of obesity are also contributing to demand for recreation workers.