Outdoor Activities Instructor
What is the work like?
Outdoor activities instructors (sometimes called outdoor pursuits instructors) lead people on outdoor activity sessions and trips, or instruct them in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hill walking, climbing, orienteering, abseiling and canoeing.
As an outdoor activities instructor you could provide:
- activities to help people enjoy their leisure time
- self-development activities, for example as part of team-building training organised by companies for their staff
- courses for youth, social and probation services, for example to provide positive experiences for disadvantaged young people.
Your work would include:
- planning and preparing activities to suit the needs, abilities and experience of each group
- giving briefings, advice and demonstrations
- instructing in one or more specialist area, such as sailing or climbing
- making sure all equipment and facilities are safe
- explaining safety procedures
- checking weather conditions before starting sessions, assessing hazards and managing risks.
You may also have to deal with accidents, and support people who may be nervous of taking part in activities.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You should be at least 18 (21 if you need to drive a minibus) and would usually need:
- skill in at least one outdoor activity (although the more activities you can offer the better)
- coaching or instructor qualifications approved by the relevant national governing body (NGB) for each of your sports or activities
- a first aid certificate (and a life-saving certificate if you instruct water-based activities)
- CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance if you will be working with children, young people or other vulnerable groups.
It would be useful if you can drive a minibus and tow a trailer, as you may need to transport equipment.
You may find it an advantage to have been involved in activities such as Duke of Edinburgh awards, membership of activity clubs or volunteering at outdoor activities centres. Some instructors have previous experience in youth work, teaching, sports coaching, training, or as physical training instructors in the armed forces.
Examples of instructor awards include:
- Mountain Leaders Training Board Mountain Leader Award
- British Canoe Union Level 2 Coach Award (kayak, canoe or both)
- Ski Instructor and Snowboard Instructor qualifications.
You could complete the awards through sports or activity clubs, or at an accredited outdoor education centre. You would usually need at least 12 months' experience in the activity before you take the award. Contact the NGB for your sport for details of courses and qualifications – see the list of NGBs on the sports coach UK website.
You may be able to complete NGB awards as part of a college or university course in sport, leisure and recreation. These include BTEC National and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, foundation degrees and degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
Check the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) website for an online version of The Outdoor Sourcebook, which you can search for colleges, universities and other organisations offering training for outdoor activities. The IOL website also has careers information and job vacancies.
What further training and development can I do?
You could gain qualifications whilst volunteering or working as a trainee. See the IOL Outdoor Sourcebook for links to outdoor activity providers. Some of the organisations advertise vacancies on their websites, or you could approach them to see if they have any volunteering or trainee opportunities.
You can complete the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations (Outdoor Activity Leadership)
- NVQ Level 3 in Outdoor Programmes.
Several NGBs are working with sports coach UK on the new UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC), which will give nationally recognised and transferable professional qualifications.
As an experienced outdoor activities instructor, you can apply for professional accreditation through the Institute of Outdoor Learning Accredited Practitioner Scheme (APIOL). See the IOL website for details.
You will need to update your skills regularly. Your first aid certificate must also be kept up to date throughout your career.
You could train in areas such as facilities management, training and development, counselling and marketing – this could increase your chances of progressing in your career.
Where can I go for more information?
Plumpton Old Hall
Plumpton
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 9NP
Tel: 01768 885800
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £11,000 a year.
- Experienced instructors are likely to earn between £12,000 and £18,000.
- Senior instructors can earn £25,000 or more.
Accommodation and food may be provided.
Figures are only intended as a guideline.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be likely to work long, irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Many jobs are seasonal and part-time work is common.
Your work will be physically demanding, and will usually involve being outside in all weathers, often in remote areas. You could work in open countryside with natural features such as mountains, caves, rivers and lakes, or in urban-based outdoor education, with facilities such as dry ski slopes, indoor climbing walls and canals.
Courses and expeditions will often involve spending time away from home, sometimes camping.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of competence in the activities you will be leading
- the ability to lead and manage groups of people
- good organisational skills
- the ability to give clear instructions and explanations
- patience and the ability to inspire confidence and give encouragement
- calmness in difficult or dangerous situations
- a responsible attitude and awareness of health and safety
- good communication and 'people' skills
- the ability to deal with challenging behaviour if necessary.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by local authorities, charitable organisations and independent activity centres. There may also be opportunities to work overseas.
As an experienced instructor you may have the opportunity to progress to centre management. Jobs at a higher level than this tend to be administrative, rather than involving direct contact with outdoor activities. Examples include working in leisure services, or with national governing bodies.
You could also set up your own activity centre, work at activity centres on contract, or do freelance work.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Institute of Outdoor Learning – jobs page
Leisure Jobs
Leisure Opportunities
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
British Activity Holiday Association
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
