Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content Can't find what you're looking for?

Job profiles

Outdoor activities instructor

  • Hours

    Variable

  • Starting salary

    £12,000 + per year

Outdoor activities instructors take people on outdoor trips like hill walking, climbing and canoeing. If you are great at motivating and encouraging people, and you love outdoor sports, this job could be perfect for you.

To do this job you should have good communication and people skills. You’ll need to be able to remain calm in difficult or dangerous situations. You’ll also need to be able to deal with challenging behaviour.

Although there are no entry requirements to do this job you should be at least 18 years of age. Employers will look for skill in at least one outdoor activity - although the more activities you can offer the better. If you want to work with children or young people you will need Criminal Records Bureau clearance.



The work

As an outdoor activities instructor, you could provide:

  • activities to help people enjoy their leisure time
  • self-development activities - for example as part of staff team-building training
  • courses for youth, social and probation services - for example to provide positive experiences for disadvantaged young people.

Your work would include:

  • planning and preparing activities to suit the needs, abilities and experience of each group
  • explaining, advising on and demonstrating activities
  • instructing in one or more specialist areas, such as sailing or climbing
  • making sure that all equipment and facilities are safe
  • explaining safety procedures
  • checking weather conditions before starting sessions, assessing hazards and managing risks.

You may also have to deal with accidents, and support people who may be nervous about taking part in activities.


Hours

You would usually work long, irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Many jobs are seasonal, and part-time work is common.

Your work will be physically demanding, and will usually involve being outside in all weather conditions, often in remote areas. You could work in open countryside with natural features such as mountains, caves, rivers and lakes, or in urban-based outdoor education with facilities such as dry ski slopes, indoor climbing walls and canals.

Courses and expeditions will often involve staying away from home, sometimes camping.


Income

Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year.

Experienced instructors can earn around £18,000 a year, and senior instructors can earn £25,000 a year or more.

Accommodation and food may be provided.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.


Entry requirements

You should be at least 18 (21 if you need to drive a minibus) and would usually need:

  • skill in at least one outdoor activity - although the more activities you can offer the better
  • coaching or instructor qualifications approved by the relevant national governing body (NGB) for each of your sports or activities
  • a first aid certificate
  • a life-saving certificate if you instruct water-based activities.

If you will be working with children, young people or other vulnerable groups, you will need Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance.

It would be useful if you can drive a minibus and tow a trailer, as you may need to transport equipment.

It may also help you if you have been involved in activities such as Duke of Edinburgh's awards, membership of activity clubs, or volunteering at outdoor activities centres. Some instructors have previous experience in youth work, teaching, sports coaching or training, or as physical training instructors in the armed forces.

Examples of instructor qualifications include:

  • Mountain Leaders Training Board Mountain Leader Award
  • British Canoe Union Level 2 Coach Award (kayak, canoe or both)
  • Ski Instructor and Snowboard Instructor qualifications.

You could complete the qualifications through sports or activity clubs, or at an accredited outdoor education centre. You would usually need at least 12 months' experience in the activity before you take the award. Check with the NGB for your sport for details of courses and qualifications. NGB contact details are on the Sport England website.

You may be able to complete NGB qualifications as part of a college or university course in sport, leisure and recreation. Courses include BTEC National and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, foundation degrees and degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

See the Outdoor Sourcebook produced by the Institute for Outdoor Learning's (IOL) for details of colleges, universities and other organisations offering training for outdoor activities. The IOL website also has careers information and a job section.


Training and development

You could gain national governing body (NGB) qualifications whilst volunteering or working as a trainee. Some outdoor activity providers advertise volunteering or trainee vacancies on their websites. You could also contact providers directly to ask about opportunities. For a list of outdoor activity providers, see the Institute for Outdoor Learning's (IOL) Outdoor Sourcebook.

You could also complete the following qualifications:

  • NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations (Outdoor Activity Leadership)
  • NVQ Level 3 in Outdoor Programmes.

As an experienced outdoor activities instructor, you can apply for professional accreditation through the Institute of Outdoor Learning Accredited Practitioner Scheme (APIOL). See the IOL website for details.

You could also train in areas such as facilities management, training and development, counselling and marketing, which could increase your chances of progressing in your career.

You will need to update your skills regularly. Your first aid certificate (and life-saving certificate if you have one) must also be kept up to date throughout your career.


Skills and knowledge

To be an outdoor activities instructor, you should have:

  • a high level of competence in the activities you will be leading
  • the ability to lead and manage groups of people
  • good organisational skills
  • the ability to give clear instructions and explanations
  • patience and the ability to inspire confidence and give encouragement
  • calmness in difficult or dangerous situations
  • a responsible attitude and awareness of health and safety
  • good communication and people skills
  • the ability to deal with challenging behaviour if necessary.

More information

sports coach UK (Opens new window)
www.sportscoachuk.org

SkillsActive (Opens new window)
Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
www.skillsactive.com

Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) (Opens new window)
Warwick Mill Business Centre
Warwick Bridge
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 8RR
Tel: 01228 564580
www.outdoor-learning.org


Opportunities

You could be employed by local authorities, charitable organisations and independent activity centres. There may also be opportunities to work overseas.

With experience, you may have the opportunity to progress to centre management. Jobs at a higher level than this tend to be administrative rather than involving direct contact with outdoor activities. Examples include working in leisure services or with national governing bodies.

You could also set up your own activity centre, work at activity centres on contract, or do freelance work.

You may find the following websites useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (Opens in a new window) there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.


Related industry information

Industry summary

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.


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.]


Career paths


Further sources


View full Job market information






Get skills in..

Want to get the skills needed to be prepared for this job? Click on the links below to see relevant courses.



What are people talking about today?

View our Forums

Career Tools

We’re interested in your opinion!

We’d like to know what you think of the National Careers Service website.

If you would like to take part in a short survey after you have finished using the website, please click ‘yes’ below.