Job market information
Finding out about the caravan industry
The caravan industry is part of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector, represented by SkillsActive Sector Skills Council. This sector is based on leisure and recreation and includes: sport and recreation; health and fitness; the outdoors; and playwork. The UK active leisure, learning and well-being sector currently employs 663,300 people, representing just over 2% of the UK workforce, and an estimated 1.9 million volunteers in England (equating to 54,000 full-time equivalents). There are an estimated 39,800 workplaces, of which 74% employ 10 or less people. Much of the workforce work in a part-time capacity (47%) and seasonal employment is important for outdoors, caravans and playwork, which attract students and other temporary workers.
The UK 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, except in Scotland. With the exception of the two caravan clubs and the major group operators, supply in the caravan industry is diverse with a predominance of small owner-operated parks. Jobs in the industry range from high tech manufacturing to park maintenance. The industry has shown signs of significant increase, with growing numbers of people buying and holidaying in caravans.
Key facts:
- The National Caravan Council estimates that there are as many as 90,000 people working in the caravan industry.
- Many of the companies in the industry are family owned and run.
- 55% of the workforce is employed full-time, 29% part-time and 15% self-employed.
Jobs in the industry include: customer service staff, reception, cleaners, valet staff, mechanic, marketing and sales manager, landscaper.
Entry and progression
Traditional entry qualifications (such as first aid, health and safety, introductory coaching awards, the sports leadership awards and life guarding qualifications) are valued by employers, together with a solid grounding in academic studies including English and Maths at GCSE, and potentially physical education (PE) at either GCSE or A level. Work experience in the sector can also be an advantage. Entry to certain occupations in the sector will be restricted by insurance and legal regulation.
Within the caravan industry, there are range of opportunities to work in caravan parks, dealerships and manufacturers. There is no formal entry route into the Industry. Businesses will usually look for qualities rather than proven skills and most training is work-based.
Many generic qualifications have relevance to working on caravan parks (such as sales, customer service, grounds maintenance, machinery maintenance, and particularly management). Industry specific qualifications include the NVQ level 2 in Operational Services (Caravan Parks), the City & Guilds Certificate in Caravan Engineering, and the distance learning ‘National Certificate for Park Managers’.
For those wishing to change career and enter the industry, there are a range of opportunities as recruiters do not always insist on qualifications. Entry to roles at an older age is not uncommon.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
National statistics suggest 41,700 people work in the industry, but estimates from the National Caravan Council suggest 90,000 |
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| Gender: |
66% male |
34% female |
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| Ethnicity: |
96% of the workforce is white |
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| Age: |
20% of the workforce is aged 16-24 years |
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| 36% aged 25-44 years |
| 44% aged 45 years and over |
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Long term forecasts undertaken in 2004 indicate that employment across the sector will grow by around 21% over the period to 2014. However, these forecasts were made both before the announcement that London would host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and before the recent economic downturn.
Skill requirements and shortages
Jobs and roles in the caravan industry, including:
- Job specific/technical skills such as park management, safe siting, operational services, leisure management or workshop technician.
- Communication
- Customer care/service
- Team-working
- Organisational skills
- Time management
- Management and leadership (dependent on level)
- Generic skills such as literacy, numeracy and IT user skills
- Statutory skills/requirements e.g. health and safety and Gas Safe requirements
Cross sector skills include: Health and Safety; Child Protection; and First Aid.
Occupational trends
| Managers and Senior Officials |
12% |
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| Professionals |
12% |
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| Associate Professional and Technical |
23% |
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| Administrative and Secretarial |
9% |
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| Skilled Trades |
7% |
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| Personal Service |
21% |
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| Sales and Customer Service |
2% |
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| Process, Plant and Machine Operatives |
1% |
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| Elementary roles |
13% |
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[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
The following will affect new and emerging jobs:
- Consumer trends – the demands of consumers and changes to lifestyles and tastes have a particular impact on all aspects of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector. Customer Relationship Management may be increasingly important as the effects of the economic downturn are realised.
Economic impact – the performance of the UK economy impacts on people’s spare time and disposable income, which may result in a shift in demand for recreational activities and domestic tourism. - Government drivers – changes to government polity and/or legislation can affect the sector. For example, the government’s drive to increase participation in physical activity and utilise it as a means to address health issues around obesity will affect the demand for the sector and the skills/knowledge requirements of those dealing with people with health issues. A growth area is roles dealing with special populations and children’s fitness. The industry is also diversifying into wellbeing including advice on nutritional products and weight management programmes.
- Technological advancement – the greatest impact of technological change at present relates to advancements in booking systems, electronic communications and high-tech sporting/fitness equipment. The use of these tools is likely to impact on a range of occupations, although there may also be a requirement for those occupying clerical/administrative roles to obtain higher level skills.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are 2,700 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 6% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
East of England – There are 4,700 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 8% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region. The region hosts over 416 parks, accounting for the third largest proportion of caravan parks in England.
London – There are 800 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 1% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
North East – There are 1,400 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 6% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
North West – There are 4,400 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 7% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
South East – There are 4,800 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 5% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region. The region has over 557 parks and accounts for the second largest proportion of caravan parks compared with other English regions. Popular locations include the New Forest and the Isle of Sheppey.
South West – There are 6,000 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 14% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region. The caravan industry is important within the region accounting for 28% of caravan parks in England. Popular destinations, such as Cornwall, have numerous caravan and camping sites.
West Midlands – There are 1,900 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 4% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are 4,700 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 9% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in the region.
Northern Ireland – There are 800 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 7% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in Northern Ireland.
Scotland – There are 3,600 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 6% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in Scotland.
Wales – There are 4,300 people employed in the caravan industry, accounting for 15% of the active leisure, learning and well-being sector in Wales.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry (GB), 2007, Northern Ireland, 2005 and Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry vary so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Holiday centre worker/manager – salaries range from £12,000 to £17,000. Managers can earn up to £35,000.
- Groundsmen/women – salaries range from £14,690 to £32,000.
- Landscaper – salaries range from around £14,000 for a trainee, rising to between £35,000 and £45,000 for a contracts manager.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SkillsActive AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
