Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship

 "MEN (& WOMEN) WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD,
LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS,
CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL.
HONOR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS."
                                     Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922)

 

There are many parallels drawn between the Active Apprenticeship and the above job description for Shackleton’s expeditions …..although we do get some daylight hours even in the shortest days of a Highland winter! This experience will challenge your commitment to a career as an outdoor instructor but at the same time it will accelerate your opportunities for personal development.

We promise 16 months of adventure, challenge, new friends, new skills & experience, beautifull places and lots of laughs to go with the blood, sweat and tears! In the end our aim is to deliver experienced, motivated and knowledgeable instructors to the outdoor industry. This  is an amazing opportunity to give your self a big step forward towards your dream. 

 

Active Outdoor Pursuits is an adventure activities instructor with bases in Ayrshire, Aviemore& Newtonmore. Services and facilities offered by Active include;
·         70 bedded outdoor centre
·         Self catering hostel
·         Mobile adventure services to a multitude of venues across Scotland
·         Outdoor retail shop
·         Café, bookshop & gallery
 
Our clients include and are not limited to;
·         Schools from primary school multi activity to Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
·         Youth groups  and Community Organisations
·         Businesses & Corporate groups
·         Instructor Training Courses
·         Personal & Team Development Courses
 
The Active Apprenticeship is designed to support people, with the right attitude, to gain the following opportunities:
·         Learn new skills from working beside qualified and experienced instructors.

·         Get group experience in a wide variety of activities and settings.

·         Access to company outdoor equipment.

·         Be based in the Scottish Highlands – access to amazing rivers, mountains (we advise that you have your own car and means to support its up keep and fuelling for use on your days off - so as to maximize your personal practice time)

·         Mentoring & support as you work towards you new career

·         Live, work and play with others who share your ambition and drive

·         Learn what makes an outdoor centre tick

·         Have all training and assessment courses paid by Active Outdoor Pursuits

·         Salary £6,500 for 16 month period - paid monthly according to schedule.

 

Other benefits; 

·         Accommodation: Successful applicants will be based at Craigower Lodge, Outdoor Centre Newtonmore but with expeditions and residentials to a variety of locations across the UK. You will have a bed and use of the staff lounge.

·         Meals will be available whilst clients are being catered for. At other times self-catering facilities are available.

·         Candidates will have at least 6 days off per 4 week period

·         6 weeks Annual leave which is generally taken around December /January.

·         30% staff discount when purchasing outdoor equipment, clothing & books at Active Aviemore.

 

This is not a training course. As an Active Apprentice you are an employee with a 16 month Apprenticeship contract. Your are both a learner and a valuable team member.

Day to day duties; you will be expected to assist in all aspects of service delivery and participate fully in centre life. This includes maintenance of the centre, buses and equipment, cleaning duties, catering & kitchen assistance, bookings & office support, working in the shop & café, organizing equipment before/after sessions, taking turn as Duty Instructor etc. Evening and weekend working are normal.

 

The aim being to work towards training and assessment in several of the NGB qualifications. Experience outlined below this is only limited by you attaining the appropriate skill levels, knowledge & experience and not to our commitment to you!:
Summer Mountain Leader                                                                                                 
Single Pitch Award
BCU UKCC Level 1/2
SRA Raft Guide
Snow sports Awards
Trail Cycle leader                                                                                                            
PCV driving license                                                             
4 star Canoe Leader
3 star Sea Kayak
Winter Skills Training
BCU White Water Safety & Rescue
 

- Essentials; Passionate about the outdoors willing to put in 100% commitment to the programme – it is intense – We demand a lot and give a lot! From the list of NGB’s above applicants should have at least 1 current NGB qualification or formal training in at least 2 NGB’s or considerable and relevant outdoor experience in these areas.
- Over 20 years of age (Due to PCV Driving Rules minimum age of 21 to drive.)
- Clean current driving license.                                                                                              

- Have attained a 1st Aid course within the last 12months.

- A passport – we have run at least 1 international trip each year since commencing the programme in 2003.
 
The job starts Monday 14th March 2011* - Sunday 15th July 2012 running for 16 months.

The recruitment weekend will be Friday 28th January - 30th January 2011. Interested? More information and application form can be downloaded below.

Closing date for applications is 7th January 2011

*We would ask that you only apply for the post if you can commit to all the dates above.

Good Luck - we hope you will be part of the team in 2011.