Outdoor Trailblazer Apprenticeships

February 2020 - The Outdoor Trailblazer Employer Group and IOL submitted their proposal for an Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship to The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Following scrutiny by the IfATE and a presentation by the Chair and Project manager to the approvals panel we are delighted to have received approval to continue developing this NEW apprenticeship standard.

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/outdoor-learning-specialist

In the Summer and Autumn of 2020 the project working group met to carefully define and refine the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required for the role with the aim of having a standard that fitted the needs of all employers of outdoor learning specialists access the sector.

Online consultations involved the whole sector in ensuring the suitability and relevance of the proposed apprenticeship. The consultation survey ran online between 24 Jan and 6 Feb 2020 and was open to all connected to the sector. As well as all members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) we members of the other representative member organisations in Outdoor Learning were invited to contribute, as well as open invitations on social media and the IOL website. We have consulted with, and gained feedback from, members of:

• Institute for Outdoor Learning
• Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres
• Outdoor Education Advisors Panel
• British Activity Providers Association

We had a positive response with 69 contributions and a 75% level of support for the occupational profile and duties as presented. We had a good number of helpful suggestions and the project working group reviewed and considered all of these carefully. Some were included in the revised occupational profile and duties, and others will be addressed when we define the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to fulfil each duty.

Work to date has been led by: Outdoor Apprenticeships Project Manager - Neal Anderson (IOL), Outdoor Apprenticeships Trailblazer Group Chair - Mark Lavington (PGL), Outdoor Apprenticeships Trailblazer Design Group - Loel Collins (Plas y Brenin), Marc Oakley (Outward Bound), Janine Maddison (Field Studies Council), Dr Roger Hopper (Heatree Activity Centre). This group have met regularly, reviewed job adverts/descriptions and written the occupational profile and duties for review and comment by the sector. Based on experience developing the Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship, the sector supported a using small design group to craft the apprenticeship proposal that went out for consultation with the sector.

Project Group 1: This group actively contributed to development, review and support of the apprenticeship proposal. Following approval, members will attend meetings and work with the design group to complete the KSB’s, prepare the assessment plan, and obtain costings for the training and end point assessments.

Project Group 2: In addition to Project Group 1, this group support the apprenticeship proposal and have asked to be kept up to date via email and be invited to comment on developments.

If you wish to contribute to developments email us and let us know your name, the organisation you are representing, and the name of the Trailblazer group you wish to join.

View the Outdoor Apprenticeships Trailblazer Group Membership

Following a comprehensive review of costs, it was clear the funding model and approach for the outdoor activity instructor apprenticeship required a significant investment of Mark Lavingtons' time by PGL and voluntary effort by Neal Anderson (IOL Professional Standards Manager) way beyond what was sustainable for a 2nd project). Neither IOL or PGL could support the development time/costs without support from employers, education/training organisations and other interested parties across the sector.

A crowdfunding approach was taken in order to get the project underway.

Pledges totalling £15,800 were received from Outward Bound, PGL, The Scout Association, Blackwell Adventure, Inspiring Learning, Lindley Educational Trust, Field Studies Council, Youth Hostels Association, Peak District National Park.

IOL have pledged to provide a proportion of the IOL Professional Standards Managers time to input into standards and ensure alignment with workforce developments.

The project budget focuses solely on what is absolutely necessary to get the Apprenticeship designed and approved. The funding will cover:

• Creation of the Trailblazer bid to design and submit new apprenticeship standard
• Creation of the Standard, Assessment Plan and costings

Should delays or significant unexpected requirements or changes occur the Trailblazer group would have to review the project funds and expenses. It is likely further funding will need to be sought from employers in the sector. Further pledges from employers, education/training organisations and other interested parties would also enable the project to include more in-person consultation and informational - promotional literature.

All contributions are welcome, and all contributors will be named as contributing supporters. The Institute for Outdoor Learning hold the funds on behalf of the employer group. Payments are managed by the Project Chair with oversight/reporting to the Working Group. To make your contribution contact Louise Keir who will arrange an invoice for payment.

View the Outdoor Apprenticeships Project Funding Arrangements