Outdoor Activity Instructor

On an outdoor activity instructor apprenticeship course, you’ll help supervise and guide children and adults in outdoor activities.

An outdoor activity instructor supervises and trains children and adults at the beginning level in activities and hobbies such as canoeing, sailing, climbing, surfing, cycling, hill walking, archery, bushcraft, rock pooling, geology, plant identification, or habitat or wildlife walks.

In this position, you will be responsible for gathering information on the participants and the activity’s resources, briefing participants, ensuring safety, and providing ongoing instruction and encouragement. In addition, you’ll help participants achieve a specific objective, such as learning new skills or seeking thrills.

This apprenticeship may be undertaken with an employer that specialises in a particular client group (individuals or groups, specific age range, mental and physical ability) or a variety of activities offered. You’ll utilise your initiative and judgement to complete tasks and procedures, and you’ll depend on close backup in the event of any challenges or mishaps.

What you’ll learn

On an outdoor activity instructor apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Prepare sessions to achieve specific goals, such as enjoyment, thrill-seeking, personal or team challenges, or acquiring new knowledge or skills.
• Collect all of the essential equipment and resources.
• Check sure the venue is set up and ready to go.
• Keep your personal and the group’s safety in mind while presenting the session.
• Deliver an effective session briefing by following clear directions and adhering to organisational rules.
• Perform a competent demonstration of the competencies required for the activity or subject at the appropriate level for the session.
• Provide basic first aid to respond to emergencies safely, timely, and efficiently.
• Change the tempo of the session to accommodate the participants’ learning rate.
• Determine and address the needs of each participant. Provide special attention, active listening, more time, and encouragement.
• Use simple methods to deal with disagreement and unpleasant behaviour. 
• Communicate with customers and employees clearly and effectively.
• Handle information in a way that is both policy-compliant and data-protective.
• Assist in the conception and production of materials and assist colleagues in conducting sessions.
• Encourage group participation while simultaneously supporting equality and diversity.
• Participate in activities that will help you broaden your knowledge and personal abilities.
• Examine your performance and make changes if necessary.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Existing knowledge and skills relating to the activities. Aged 18 or older.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods: 

• Practical test 
• Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.