Following discussions with the Institute for Apprenticeships, the initial proposal has been accepted and employers are seeking funding for the development and promotion of this next apprenticeship. Development for the Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship involved employers donating time and expertise (Working Group members, 8 days each; Trailblazer Chair, 50 days; IOL support, 20 days), plus Project Management (approx £30,000) and Consultancy (£8,500) offset by financial contributions (total £9,500) from AHOEC, Inspiring Learning and PGL.
The funding model and approach for the outdoor activity instructor apprenticeship is not sustainable for future apprenticeships (particularly by IOL and PGL). The funding rate for the Outdoor Activity Instructor standard is set at £6000/apprentice and many employers and training organisations are set to benefit from this input without having directly contributed financially to the development and promotion costs.
Employers have identified a total funding pot of approximately £28,000 to get the Outdoor Programme Leader Apprenticeship project completed. The Employers Group (and IOL) cannot commence the project in earnest until they are confident of having sufficient funds to complete it. To complete in time for the 2020 operating season requires a project start in April 2019.
A crowdfunding approach is being taken by employers in order to get the project underway.
Employers, education/training organisations and other interested parties are asked to contribute. All contributions are welcome, and all contributors will be named as contributing supporters. The initial funding deadline is Tuesday the 30th of April..
The Institute for Outdoor Learning will hold the funds on behalf of the employer group. Once the project starts payments from this account to IOL for services will be managed by the Project Chair with oversight/reporting to the Working Group. To make your contribution contact Louise Kier who will arrange an invoice for payment.