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Outdoor Apprenticeships

Further your career outside

Develop your career in Outdoor Learning

 

Image for Outdoor Apprenticeships Model

 

If you work in the outdoor sector you can join others with a passion for the outdoor environment, a desire to meet and get to know others, a love of developing knowledge, skills and experience, and a willingness to contribute to a strong team atmosphere.

Leading outdoor learning experiences is all about how you use an activity to help others gain skills and learn more about themselves, each other and connect to the environment. It’s more than just instructing or coaching others in an activity or sport. It is making a positive difference for others. If engaging others in your passion, and helping them learn, develop and grow as individuals is what gets you out of bed in the morning come rain or shine, you can do it again and again in outdoor learning. It’s a lifestyle thing.

An apprenticeship is a real job with training, enabling learners to earn while they learn and to achieve nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are available to businesses of all sizes and sectors and can last from 12 months to four years, depending on the type or level of the programme. Apprentices can be either new or current employees.

Higher level apprenticeships – Level 4 is equivalent to a higher national diploma; Level 5 a foundation degree; Level 7 a master’s degree. Advanced level apprenticeships – Level 3 are equivalent to 2 A Levels

 

For Apprentices

  • Earn a wage and receive the benefits of being an employee
  • Get training in the skills and knowledge employers need
  • Excellent progression routes, whether you are looking to study further or climb the ranks

For Employers

  • Develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce for your needs
  • Employees positively contribute to your operations whilst they learn
  • Attract funding (there are different levels of funding provided and training required in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

 

Apprenticeships designed by the sector, for the sector

 

Outdoor Activity Instructor

 

Role
The main responsibility of an Outdoor Activity Instructor is to run safe and enjoyable activity sessions. They prepare for, deliver and close outdoor activity sessions that meet the intended outcomes for participants.

Matched IOL Occupational Standard
Yes - providing opportunities for other education or experience based routes for those seeking to train as an Outdoor Activity Instructor.

Duration
12 Months

Entry Requirements
Typically an interest in nature and the environment and/or participation in outdoor activities.

Level
3

Training
There is no set syllabus or prescribed training course – employers negotiate what training their apprentices require with training providers (and at what price). Relevant qualifications or NGB awards can be included. Apprentices must have achieved English and mathematics at Level 2.

End Point Assessment
Session Planning, Observation, Professional Discussion

External Quality Assurance Body
Institute for Outdoor Learning

Maximum Funding
£6000.00

Professional Recognition
On completion, Outdoor Activity Instructors may be eligible to apply to be Associate Professional Members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning to support their career development and progression.

Available
England

 

Outdoor Learning Specialist

NEW - Approved for apprenticeship starts from Feb 2022

Role
The design, planning and delivery of programmes that provide progressive learning and change using outdoor activities and experiences. They will apply professional outdoor leadership judgement and use relevant facilitation approaches and theories of learning and development to support the intended outcomes of a programme and encourage participants to achieve their potential.

Matched IOL Occupational Standard
Yes - providing opportunities for other education or experience based routes for those seeking to train as an Outdoor Learning Specialist.

Duration
24 Months

Entry Requirements
Typically, experience working as an Outdoor Activity Instructor in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Level
5

Training
There is no set syllabus or prescribed training course – employers negotiate what training their apprentices require with training providers (and at what price). Relevant qualifications or NGB awards can be included. Apprentices must have achieved English and mathematics at Level 2 and the following qualifications:

  • Level 2 Ofqual registered Award in Safeguarding relevant to the employer’s business.
  • Level 3 Ofqual registered 2-day Outdoor First Aid Award.

End Point Assessment
Customer Proposal Report & Presentation, Observation, Professional Discussion

External Quality Assurance Body
Ofqual

Maximum Funding
£13,000.00

Professional Recognition
This apprenticeship standard is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as an Associate Professional in Outdoor Learning with the Institute for Outdoor Learning.

Available
England

 

 

Apprenticeships from other sectors

 

There are a wide range of apprenticeships available that can benefit outdoor employers, including:

  • Hospitality and catering
  • Management
  • Youth and family work
  • Grounds
  • Countryside Management
  • Administration

 

Community Activator Coach
 

Role
Planning, leading and coaching physical activities for people of all ages in the community.

Duration
18 Months

Level
2

External Quality Assurance Body
People 1st International

Maximum Funding
£6000.00

Available
England

 

Learning and Development Practitioner

Role
Identifying, creating and delivering appropriate training needs.

Duration
18 Months

Level
3

External Quality Assurance Body
Ofqual

Maximum Funding
£6000.00

Available
England

 

Sports Coach
 
 

Role
Use sports knowledge and skills to create and deliver coaching programmes.

Duration
18 Months

Level
4

External Quality Assurance Body
Ofqual

Maximum Funding
£9000.00

Available
England

 

Team Leader or Supervisor
 

Role
Managing teams and projects to meet a private, public or voluntary organisation's goals.

Duration
12 Months

Level
3

External Quality Assurance Body
IfATE

Maximum Funding
£4500.00

Available
England

 

Hospitality Manager
 
 

Role
Working across a variety of organisations focusing on ensuring excellent customer experience.

Duration
48 Months

Level
6

External Quality Assurance Body
IfATE

Maximum Funding
£22000.00

Available
England

 

Facilities Manager
 
 

Role
Making sure that buildings and their services meet the needs of the people that work in them.

Duration
24 Months

Level
4

External Quality Assurance Body
Ofqual

Maximum Funding
£6000.00

Available
England

 

Operations or Departmental Manager

Role
Managing teams and projects in line with a private, public or voluntary organisation's operational or departmental strategy.

Duration
30 Months

Level
5

External Quality Assurance Body
IfATE

Maximum Funding
£7000.00

Available
England

 

Chartered Manager (Degree)
 

Role
Taking responsibility for long-term organisational success, managing people, projects, operations or services.

Duration
48 Months

Level
6

External Quality Assurance Body
IfATE

Maximum Funding
£22000.00

Available
England

 

 

 

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