Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

Also known as:

Sports Teacher - Outdoor Pursuits
Teacher, Outdoor Pursuits

Introduction

Outdoor pursuits instructors teach activities such as canoeing, climbing, horse riding, sailing and skiing. They use practical demonstrations and lectures to teach all ages and abilities.

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Work Activities

Outdoor pursuits instructors work with individuals or small groups, teaching them a range of skills. These include abseiling, canoeing, caving, hillwalking, orienteering, parachuting, horse riding, rock climbing, sailing, skiing and wind surfing. They teach all ages and abilities.

Courses may last for just one or two days or for one or two weeks. Groups may come from schools, youth clubs or Guide/Scout groups. They may also come as part of a work-based training scheme for new trainees or senior managers. Individuals or families may come for holidays or to extend existing skills. The instructors therefore have to plan a programme of activities that is different for each course or group. The programme is tailored to meet particular needs, interests and levels of ability and experience.

Although some lecturing is involved, much is done by practical demonstration and helping individuals to complete the various outdoor pursuits. Instructors also have to teach basic safety rules and emergency first aid procedures. They may also be involved in running social activities in the evenings on residential courses.

Other duties include advising on equipment for outdoor activities, writing up reports, keeping student records and other administration. It may also be necessary to drive a minibus to transport students to locations away from the centre.

All outdoor pursuits instructors have to pay great attention to Health and Safety regulations. The work may be dangerous on occasions. Instructors work out of doors as long as weather conditions are safe to complete an activity.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need a high level of physical fitness and stamina as well as good levels of competence in several outdoor activities. For some activities, it can be important to be courageous - but not reckless.

You must have patience together with good communication skills and be able to relate well to students of different ages and backgrounds.

Good organisational and administrative skills are important, as is maturity and a strong sense of responsibility. Dealing with groups requires leadership skills and initiative, in order to cope with the unexpected and emergencies. Also important is the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure, particularly in emergencies.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for outdoor pursuits instructors vary widely depending on the employer.

The pay rates given below are approximate. Outdoor pursuits instructors earn in the range of £14,500 - £18,500 a year, rising to around £23,500. Accommodation is sometimes provided, but may result in a lower salary.

There are several hundred outdoor pursuits centres in the United Kingdom. Some centres are maintained by local authorities for the use of school parties. Outward Bound Centres also employ instructors.

Many centres are privately owned and run; these cater for a wide range of people. However, relatively few permanent jobs are available.

There is strong competition for work in this sector.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

It is possible to gain relevant skills and experience and instructor qualifications in specific sports, such as climbing, canoeing and orienteering.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Sport and Recreation) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

• 35% of people in occupations such as outdoor pursuit instructor work part-time.
• 32% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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