Accredited Practitioner

An Accredited Practitioner will have been involved in Outdoor Learning programmes for 3-5 years or more as an employee, freelancer or volunteer. If you are an instructor, tutor, teacher, lecturer, youth worker, education officer, senior trainer, advisor, etc. then APIOL demonstrates your professional approach.

APIOL award holders have a range of experience and higher-level skills and knowledge in the activities and subjects that are core to their outdoor learning provision. APIOL requires you to have consolidated experience delivering outdoor learning programmes. It does not 'retest' specialist skills, it recognises your competence as an outdoor learning practitioner.

Recognises your skills, knowledge, experience and awards for providing outdoor learning.

Demonstrates your professional approach.

Helps you reflect on your approach, style, driving values and career direction.

Is flexible to fit your areas of work in outdoor learning - outdoor education, personal development, professional development, outdoor sports coaching, adventure tourism or outdoor therapy.

Shows a commitment to national criteria in Outdoor Learning.

Enhances and supports the career development of staff.

Promotes the experience and expertise of the organisation.

Demonstrates your staff can identify your clients needs and provide tailored programme design, outdoor learning delivery and programme evaluation.

Designs and delivers programmes with a range of activities. Manages complex decisions and activity-risk-benefit choices in the outdoors.

Uses a range of styles to facilitate impactful and lasting learning. Involves others in the planning, delivery and evaluation of learning.

Models their guiding principles and values, acts ethically. Promotes responsible and sustainable use of the outdoors.

Uses critical reflection to continually develop self and others. Demonstrates an on-going commitment to and benefit from CPD.