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Outdoor Activities Instructor

Do you want to become a Outdoor Activities Instructor? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Outdoor activities instructors lead adults and children in a range of activities, usually based in the countryside.

Outdoor activities instructors help participants to have fun and learn new skills doing sports and recreational activities. Duties vary but generally will include:

• planning outdoor activities and social events
• lecturing and giving practical demonstrations
• looking after equipment.

Working hours vary and can be irregular. Early starts, late finishes and weekend and bank holiday work may all be required. Full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs are all available.

The work involves being outdoors in all weathers, and conditions may be wet, muddy or dusty.

Salaries for outdoor activities instructors range from £8,000 to about £25,000 a year.

Outdoor activities instructors should:

• have a good level of fitness and stamina
• be interested and skilled in outdoor activities
• have good leadership qualities and teamwork skills
• have a responsible attitude to health and safety.

There are around 60,000 people working in the outdoor activities sector, of which about 25,000 are instructors and trainers. There are job opportunities throughout the country. However, there is fierce competition for posts. Employers are local authorities, charitable organisations and commercial firms. A large number of people do the work as a summer job, or gain experience working as a volunteer.

Entrants must usually be at least 18. Some jobs require proficiency or coaching awards in relevant outdoor sports and formal academic qualifications. There is a wide range of courses available, from an NVQ/SVQ in Activity Leadership or Coaching, Teaching and Instructing (Level 2) through to a postgraduate qualification in outdoor development or education. Course entry requirements may be relaxed for adults with suitable experience.

Training is often provided on the job by the employer, sometimes with study at college.

Promotion may be to chief instructor or management positions. With experience, instructors may work freelance or set up their own firm. A number of organisations operate abroad as well as in the UK.

 

 

 

 

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