Playwork is relatively new in Scotland as it has never been a statutory provision and has, in the past, depended upon volunteers.  Some isolated communities in the Highlands and Islands can be excluded from accessing play opportunities.  There is a core of experienced workers who tend to be older, but as the industry is expanding rapidly there is an increase in inexperienced and unqualified staff.  Over 60% of the workforce hold childcare qualifications at the equivalent of SVQ Level 3 (SCQF level 6) or above.  A further 13% have qualifications below this level.  26% have no formal childcare qualifications but 40% of this group are working towards one.

The caravan industry contributed £80 million in Gross Added Value (GVA) output to the Scottish economy in 2004, but this has slowed over the last five years.  2,770 people are employed in the Scottish caravan industry, but this is expected to decline in the future.  An estimated 400 workers per annum will be required to meet replacement demands.

In the Scottish health and fitness industry, there are 149 clubs with a total 250,000 members, which is set to increase over the next few years.  Up-skilling will be required for those working in therapeutic exercise, other specialist roles, plus those working with older populations.   Skills shortages are reported for communications, team working, IT and numeracy.  There are low levels of pay and a lack of career progression in the industry, particularly for gym instructors.

The sport and recreation industry contributed £480 million in Gross Added Value (GVA) output to the economy in 2004, equivalent to 0.6% of the whole Scottish economy.  Annual growth for the industry is expected to be 2.2% per annum to 2014, which is inline with the Scottish economy growth rate. The industry employs 34,320 people, accounting for 9% of the UK sector workforce, which is expected to increase by 2.7% per annum until 2009 and then at a lower rate to 2014.   Leisure attendants, coaches and administrators are hard to recruit, particularly in rural areas.

The outdoors industry is small in Scotland with 2,480 employees, accounting for only 5% of employment in the Scottish Active Leisure and Learning sector.  15% of the workforce are self-employed, 45% are full-time and 39% part-time.  45% of the workforce are male, 55% female which is comparable to other industries in the sector, with the exception of playwork.  The industry has a relatively old workforce profile with 37% aged 45 years and over.  The industry contributes £40 million to the Gross Value Added (GVA) output.  Employment levels in the industry are expected to grow between 2004-2014.  Increasing levels of skills in customer service, basic IT and communication is expected in the future.

Source: Skills Needs Assessment – Scotland 2005, Skills Needs Assessment – Playwork 2005, Skills Needs Assessment – the Caravan Industry 2005, Skills Needs Assessment – Sport and Recreation 2005 and Skills Needs Assessment – Health and Fitness 2005

For more data on the Scottish Active Leisure and Learning sector see: