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Development courses for SMEs investing in high-potential apprentices

Build resilient, self-aware, work-ready apprentices, without the cost of running your own cohort.

Our open development courses allow early career talent to build essential workplace behaviours through challenging, real-world experiences, no matter their company size or sector.

If you're looking to improve apprentice confidence and communication, strengthen resilience under workplace pressure, and develop leadership behaviours early in their career, this is the right opportunity for you.

This model makes our impactful training more accessible to SMEs by bringing together delegates from various organisations. Employers can share costs and knowledge while still delivering a premium development experience.

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Why choose an open course?

With National Insurance increases and tighter training budgets, many SMEs are scaling back development investment.

Our open courses allow you to invest in high-impact development without the cost of running a full internal programme:

  • No minimum numbers required
  • More cost-effective than running internal programmes
  • Peer learning across industries broadens perspective
  • Proven outcomes in high-performance sectors such as nuclear, defence and manufacturing

 

Rolls Royce apprentices at eskdale
Hear from Rolls-Royce apprentices about their week at Outward Bound.

Impact on Apprentices

Resilience

96% of apprentices report improvements in coping with challenges, adversity and change, reducing early-career drop-out risk.

A circular progress chart showing 96%, mostly filled with a teal colour, with a small empty section at the top, on a white background.

Self-motivation

96% of apprentices report improvements in self-motivation, leading to fewer performance escalations.

A circular progress chart showing 96%, mostly filled with a teal colour, with a small empty section at the top, on a white background.

Self-awareness

96% of apprentices report improvements in self-awareness, leading to stronger communication with managers. 

A circular progress chart showing 96%, mostly filled with a teal colour, with a small empty section at the top, on a white background.

Courses available

20 July 2026

Duration: 5 days

Location: Eskdale, Lake District

Cost: £1062 (incl. VAT)*

Book now

10 August 2026

Duration: 5 days

Location: Eskdale, Lake District

Cost: £1062 (incl. VAT)*

Book now

What employers say:

“As their employer, we are responsible for ensuring that journey is the best it can be — arming them with the necessary skills to help them progress in their career and life.
Rather than developing these skills slowly over time in the workplace, we took a different approach... one that helped them find their strengths, challenge their fears, and bring new skills back into the business.”
Blair McCombie, Managing Director, Oilenco

What participants say:

“The week at Outward Bound was nothing short of amazing. I overcame a lot of challenges. It opened my mind to workplace behaviours, emotional understanding, and communication and leadership skills I’ve already started using at work.”
Lee Smith, Apprentice Workshop Technician

Ready to develop the next generation?

Our open programme runs on selected weeks throughout the year at our Eskdale Centre. Places are limited, and demand is high. Early booking is advised.

Enquire below.

APPRENTICE AND GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT

Outward Bound offers impactful, off-the-job training that goes far beyond the classroom to develop your apprentices, graduates, or early leaders.
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The small print

See our booking terms and conditions.
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Please note: All course fees include VAT at the standard rate. You’ll receive a VAT receipt with your booking confirmation.

When booking, please use your work email address. If you're booking on behalf of someone else, choose ‘sponsor’ as your relationship to the participant.

You can find our terms and conditions above. We recommend giving them a read before you confirm your place.