Outdoor activity instructor
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Outdoor activity instructors deliver a range of land- and water-based activities including climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and bushcraft to participants in schools, activity centres, and the outdoors. Apprentices gain National Governing Body (NGB) awards in their chosen activities alongside professional outdoor education skills. The role is a popular entry route into a career in outdoor education, expedition leading, or youth work.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Technical skills in assigned outdoor activities to NGB standard
Group leadership, safety management, and risk assessment outdoors
Environmental awareness, countryside access, and Leave No Trace
First aid and emergency procedures in remote outdoor settings
Inclusive teaching and facilitation for diverse participant groups
Equipment care, inspection, and activity centre operations
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Plan and deliver outdoor activity sessions for groups
Carry out dynamic risk assessments before and during activities
Instruct participants in technical skills safely and progressively
Manage group behaviour and welfare in outdoor environments
Inspect and maintain activity equipment and safety gear
Respond to first aid incidents and follow emergency procedures
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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