OLYMPIC plans for London are predicted to double demand for leisure staff in the capital by 2012.

In preparation for this, teenagers are being invited to apply for a new two-year course which will teach them what they need to enter the industry.

Bromley MyTime and Orpington College, with the London Leisure College, are offering school leavers wide-ranging skills.

These include customer care, sports coaching, fitness instruction, lifeguarding, hospitality and general leisure centre operation.

Practical sessions will also run in leisure centres and will include job shadowing of a number of key roles.

Training and development manager Sharon Stevens said: "We are aiming to prepare the local labour market to meet unprecedented demands for skilled staff in the run up to 2012, while growing our own future leisure managers.

"Many young people leave school with no clear idea of what they want to do. If they have an interest in sports and leisure, a career in the industry might just be the ticket.

"We offer starter courses taken over two years with lots of practical experience."

Interviews are taking place at Orpington College tomorrow for the remaining places. Call 020 8323 1731 to arrange an interview time.

Applicants must be aged 16 or 17 and be able to swim.