Job market information
Finding out about the outdoors industry
The outdoors industry is part of the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, represented by SkillsActive Sector Skills Council. This sector is based on leisure and recreation and includes: sport and recreation; health and fitness; playwork; and the caravan industry. The UK active leisure, learning and well‐being sector currently employs 663,300 people, representing just over 2% of the UK workforce, and an estimated 1.9 million volunteers in England (equating to 54,000 full‐time equivalents). There are an estimated 39,800 workplaces, of which 74% employ 10 or less people. Much of the workforce work in a part‐time capacity (47%) and seasonal employment is important for outdoors, caravans and playwork, which attract students and other temporary workers.
The outdoors industry provides a diverse range of activities that span the spectrum of human activity, comprising education and recreation within the context of the outdoors. It is closely linked to the sport and recreation industry and playwork. The outdoor industry comprises:
- Outdoor education – experiential, environmental, physical and social education
- Outdoor recreation – organised and self‐guided outdoor activities for ‘fun’
- Outdoor development training – leadership, team and management development
- Outdoor sport development – performance coaching, instructor training and skill development
- Expeditions and exploration – planning and delivery of local, national and international expeditions and research
Key facts:
- There are 26,400 people working in the outdoors industry, together with a significant number of volunteers and seasonal posts.
- There are an estimated 61,600 volunteers in the outdoors industry.
- 45% of the workforce is employed full‐time, 41% part‐time and 15% self‐employed.
Jobs in the industry include: events manager, outdoor activities instructor, riding holiday centre manager, parks officer, outdoor centre manager.
Entry and progression
Traditional entry qualifications (such as first aid, health and safety, introductory coaching awards, the sports leadership awards, and life guarding qualifications) are valued by employers, together with a solid grounding in academic studies including English and Maths at GCSE, and potentially physical education (PE) at either GCSE or A level. Work experience in the sector can also be an advantage. Entry to certain occupations in the sector will be restricted by insurance and legal regulation.
Within the outdoors industry, there are a range of opportunities for unqualified and inexperienced people, through to positions for highly qualified, experienced, skilled practitioners and management levels. Entry level jobs are available for activity leaders and assistant instructors, which tend to be with recreational organisations and summer camps. Outdoor employers are willing to recruit individuals with very few sector specific qualifications and place a higher importance on the individual’s personal and social attributes. Training is available often through government funded programmes like Apprenticeships. Technical qualifications tend to be activity specific and are awarded through or with support of the National Governing Body.
Job roles which demand a higher level of expertise such as outdoor development will require significant experience and relevant qualifications.
For those wishing to change career and enter the industry, there are a range of opportunities as recruiters do not always insist on qualifications. Entry to roles at an older age is not uncommon.
There is a range of educational opportunities, industry endorsed courses, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
26,400 |
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| Gender: |
56% male |
44% female |
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| N.B. The following data are for the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector as a whole.] |
| Ethnicity: |
94% of the workforce is white, 2% Black or Black British, 2% Asian or Asian British, 1% Chinese or other ethnic background, and 1% mixed |
|---|
| Age: |
24% of the workforce is aged 16-24 years |
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| 22% aged 25-34 years |
| 20% aged 35-44 years |
| 27% aged 45-59 years |
| 7% aged 60 years and over |
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Long term forecasts (undertaken in 2004) indicate that employment across the sector will grow by around 21% over the period to 2014. However, these forecasts were made both before the announcement that London would host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and before the recent economic downturn.
Skill requirements and shortages
Jobs and roles in the outdoors industry within the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector require varying skills sets, technical skills and qualifications. A common core set of skills and attributes that are important across the sector, include:
- Technical/job specific – include specific skills relevant to the job such as coaching/NGB awards, work based NVQs, Accredited Practitioner of the Institute of Outdoors Learning, mini bus driving and statutory requirements such as health and safety; child protection; and first aid.
- Initiative
- Organisation/project management skills
- Planning and preparing work
- Communication
- Team‐working
- Problem solving
- Management and leadership (dependent on level)
Cross sector skills include: Health and Safety; Child Protection; and First Aid.
Occupational trends
| Managers and Senior Officials |
12% |
|---|
| Professionals |
12% |
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| Associate Professional and Technical |
23% |
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| Administrative and Secretarial |
9% |
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| Skilled Trades |
7% |
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| Personal Service |
21% |
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| Sales and Customer Service |
2% |
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| Process, Plant and Machine Operatives |
1% |
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| Elementary roles |
13% |
|---|
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
The following will affect new and emerging jobs:
- Consumer trends – the demands of consumers and changes to lifestyles and tastes have a particular impact on all aspects of the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector. Customer Relationship Management may be increasingly important as the effects of the economic downturn are realised.
- Economic impact – the performance of the UK economy impacts on people’s spare time and disposable income, which may result in a shift in demand for recreational activities and domestic tourism.
- Government drivers – changes to government polity and/or legislation can affect the sector. For example, the government’s drive to increase participation in physical activity and utilise it as a means to address health issues around obesity will affect the demand for the sector and the skills/knowledge requirements of those dealing with people with health issues. A growth area is roles dealing with special populations and children’s fitness. The industry is also diversifying into wellbeing including advice on nutritional products and weight management programmes.
- Technological advancement – the greatest impact of technological change at present relates to advancements in booking systems, electronic communications and high‐tech sporting/fitness equipment. The use of these tools is likely to impact on a range of occupations, although there may also be a requirement for those occupying clerical/administrative roles to obtain higher level skills.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are 44,300 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,100 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region hosts many places to walk and cycle, and the growing network of rights of way, footpaths, multi‐use trails and long‐distance paths forms an important recreational resource. The Peak District offers climbing activities. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; first aid; and child protection.
East of England – There are 61,400 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,300 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region has diverse tourism, including coastlines, countryside locations, waterways, cycling and walking routes.
London – There are 70,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,100 are employed in the outdoors industry. London has a rich mix of active leisure and learning facilities. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; initiative; first aid; child protection; project management; and working with people with disabilities.
North East – There are 24,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 1,000 are employed in the outdoors industry. Opportunities for outdoor activities include: Kielder Water; Derwent Reservoir; the Northumberland coastline; the Coast 2 Coast (C2C) cycling route (part of the National Cycle Network); the Cleveland Way; the Hadrian’s Wall path; the Pennine Way; and Teesdale Way. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; first aid; team‐working; health and safety; working with disabled people; child protection; and initiative.
North West – There are 65,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,800 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region is home to the Lake District, Forest of Bowland and the coast, so facilities include a purpose built mountain bike trail and outdoor activity centres. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; initiative; team‐working; planning and preparing work; child protection; and first aid.
South East – There are 96,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,700 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region offers a wide range of natural resources, with the New Forest and South Downs and miles of coastline for outdoor activities. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical first aid; child protection; communication; management; and planning and preparing work.
South West – There are 53,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,100 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region offers a range of outdoor opportunities for surfing, sailing, surf lifesaving, Tarka Trail, Camel Trail and coastal paths. The region also has a growing reputation for Xtreme Sports. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; planning and preparing work; initiative; project management; and problem solving.
West Midlands – There are 48,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 1,900 are employed in the outdoors industry. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham hosts Leisure Industry Week, Outdoor Show, Caravanning Show and a number of national sporting events. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; initiative; and planning and preparing work.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are 51,900 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,000 are employed in the outdoors industry. The region has a strong sporting infrastructure and is home to a cluster of sports science, technology, medicine and economics research and development units. The region hosts three National Parks and a range of outdoors activities including rock climbing, airborne activities, water sports and cycling. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; child protection; initiative; and management.
Northern Ireland – There are 10,738 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 500 are employed in the outdoors industry.
Scotland – There are 58,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,700 are employed in the outdoors industry.
Wales – There are 29,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 1,400 are employed in the outdoors industry.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry (GB), 2007, Northern Ireland, 2005 and Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry vary so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Events manager – starting salaries can be around £17,000 to £21,000, and with experience, rising to £25,000 to £40,000. Management salaries in some high‐profile companies can reach £50,000 to £80,000.
- Outdoor activities instructor – starting salaries can be around £11,000. Experienced instructors can earn between £12,000 and £18,000. Senior instructors can earn £25,000 or more.
- Riding holiday centre manager – salaries can start at around £15,000, rising to £20,000 or more for experienced managers. Salaries depend on the size of the centre, and whether extra benefits such as accommodation, stabling for your own horse and use of centre facilities are included.
- Parks officer – salaries range from £17,000 to £40,000.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SkillsActive AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
