Instructor Development Scheme

If you're working towards a career as an Outdoor Instructor, our Instructor Development Scheme is a chance for you to fast track your training and then get a permanent contract at Outward Bound.

You'll work on your outdoor qualifications and have a training allowance budget for approved assessments. You'll be mentored by one of our senior instructors and get practical work experience on the job. Alongside your training you'll also work as a Duty Instructor, supporting young people during their learning and adventure residential. Our Instructor Development Scheme typically takes between 3-12 months to complete depending on your level of experience when you start.

Your starting contract

Locations: Outward Bound Aberdovey, Snowdonia.
Starting contract: You'll start on a fixed term contract. It typically takes 3-12 months to complete the Instructor Development Scheme.
Hours: contracted for 40 hours per week - 32 hours working as a Duty Instructor, 8 hours paid training for the scheme.
Salary: £22,672 per year, plus training allowance and benefits.
Finish the scheme: Once you graduate from the scheme, you'll be offered a permanent contract as an instructor.

Apply by: 09:00 Wednesday, 28 February 2024.

Interview date: Tuesday, 12 March 2024.

Start date: Tuesday, 7 May 2024.

Apply now

Check out the job description

Who we’re looking for

To succeed on our Instructor Development Scheme you'll be proactive, enthusiastic and determined. You're contracted to work for Outward Bound for 40 hours a week (32 as a Duty Instructor, 8 training on the scheme). Successful instructors in development also use their free time to actively work on skills development.

To join the scheme you'll already be well on the way to achieving two of the three NGB qualifications below, and started working towards the third:

Summer Mountain Leader Award
Rock Climbing Instructor
BC Paddle sport Leader Award or Paddle sport Instructor plus Canoe award, or an equivalent previously recognised award.

You'll have some experience of working with young people in the outdoors - ideally helping them to learn and develop. We'd also like you to have a valid First Aid certificate and a full driving licence (preferably including D1 entitlement).

Have this, and the scheme typically takes 3-12 months before you're ready to become an Outward Bound Instructor.

Download the job description

Here's what you'll be doing....

1. Instructor in Development

You'll be paid for 8 hours a week in this learning role, however you can do more hours in your own time.
Permanent Instructor contract guaranteed on successful completion of the scheme.
The scheme typically takes 3-12 months to complete.
Self directed learning, with mentoring from a Senior Instructor.
Training allowance budget available for approved assessments and NGBs.
Access formal and informal training opportunities to develop the skills needed.
Progress throughout guided, monitored and assessed by Scheme Leader.
Build your experience by getting out and about with like minded Instructors in your free time.
Successful Instructors in development dedicate time outside of their working hours to this aspect of the role.

2. Duty Instructor

Our duty instructor supports our safeguarding responsibilities, looking after the welfare and being the key point of contact for young people and any visitors primarily during the evening and at night.

A fixed term salaried contract of 40 hours per week (32 as Duty Instructor, 8 in your learning role).
Primarily evening and night work - with some days supporting Instructors on programmes.
Responsible for the safety and security of our centre and maintaining safety standards.
Provide immediate pastoral support for course participants.
Be the first point of contact for anyone on site who requires out of hours assistance.

How to Apply

Please send us a copy of your current CV and an email or letter letting us know why this job is right for you. To help you out, we've listed exactly what we need to see in our top tips below. Interviews will be held in person at the centre you are applying to if you are shortlisted.

Applications to Kate: workforus@outwardbound.org.uk

If we offer you the job, you'll be asked to do a disclosure check.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR APPLICATION

To make it easier for you to apply - and for us to see why we should employ you... here is what you should include in your application. We ask you to send us your current CV and a covering letter.

In your CV:

Clearly list all your outdoor qualifications. You only need to list your highest qualification within a particular activity.
Please state all employment since you left school/college. If applicable, include periods when you've not been working, whether by choice or otherwise (eg time out for travelling).
References that cover your last two years of employment (we won’t contact your referees until you accept a job with us).

In your covering letter please give details of:

Your relevant experience. This can include the range of groups and individuals you've worked with; different environments and any positions of responsibility you've held.
Why you're applying. Explain how your experience, qualifications and personal attributes can help Outward Bound and the young people we work with.
Key achievements. Things you're proud of; experiences you have of expeditions, travelling, journeying in remote areas etc.

PS - if this looks interesting, but there’s a little voice talking you out of applying, we’ll let you into a little secret: there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. We’re all on this learning journey together at Outward Bound. However you identify, if you think this is a role you could excel in and more importantly you’d be excited to do – then please get in touch.

Sailing on the estuary

Outdoor Instructor Development Scheme