Outdoor Activities Instructor

Outdoor activities instructors help people to have fun, develop new skills and learn more about themselves, by leading groups in a range of outdoor activities.

Activities vary according to the needs of each group, but can include:

• climbing
• camping
• canoeing
• archery
• windsurfing
• sailing
• mountain biking
• problem solving.

The job may involve:

• planning and preparing activities to suit the needs, abilities and experience of each group
• giving practical demonstrations, instructions and advice to participants
• instructing in one or more specialist areas, such as climbing or sailing
• looking after and checking equipment and facilities.

Instructors often work evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Long treks and expeditions can involve camping out and centres are often situated in remote locations.

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

Outdoor activities instructors should:

• have leadership qualities and teamwork skills
• be skilled in a range of outdoor activities
• be willing to learn new skills
• have a good level of physical fitness.

There are 1,100 licensed providers of outdoor activities in the UK (plus many other providers who do not require a licence), and more than 30,000 instructors and trainers, of whom about 75 per cent are volunteers. This is a growing industry, although there is still strong competition for jobs.

There are opportunities in activity centres run by private firms, local authorities and charities, mainly in rural and coastal areas.

There are no set academic qualifications, but most applicants have some experience of outdoor activities. They usually need two or more proficiency or coaching awards in relevant outdoor sports. These are awarded by National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for each sport. All instructors also need a first aid certificate.

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

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in this industry and instructors must regularly update their skills.

Permanent staff may be promoted to chief instructor, co-ordinator, deputy head or head of centre. Some candidates, with the right experience and financial backing, may set up their own centres.

There may also be opportunities working for equipment manufacturers and governing bodies or working abroad.

Further details