Training / Education Guide

Follow the links below and get in touch with the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport(s) you are interested in. They all offer training pathways to become a high-level instructor, leader, or Olympic/world-class coach.

You will need a range of activity specialisms gained from external training and workplace courses. Employers typically look for relevant awards such as: Paddlesport Instructor, Walking Leader (LL, HML, ML), Rock Climbing Instructor, Dinghy Instructor, Cycling Coach, Bushcraft Competency Certificate, Orienteering Coach, etc.

You will need knowledge of geography, geology, environmental science, or the local flora and fauna. Many people will have a relevant degree but often experience of the local area and the skills to teach fieldwork is required.

If you are new to this area Bushcraft Competency Certificate (BCC) + Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or a Level 3 Forest School Leader Award will be most appropriate.

If you are already a competent Instructor or Teacher then you may only need to cover those elements covered by the awards above that you are missing.

Outdoor Therapy is a broad and inclusive heading for an integrated approach of outdoor activities and experiences in the natural environment, with counselling and psychotherapy/psychological theory and practice. To work in this area as an independent professional may require being an Outdoor Learning Professional - Accredited Member of IOL or above, AND professional training in counselling (2 Years), psychotherapy or psychology (5 years), AND and awareness of how to integrate the two professional fields.

Therapeutic outdoor learning describes programmes in which participants gain therapeutic benefit from participating in outdoor learning experiences. In these circumstances the activities are facilitated in a way that supports people in their health and wellbeing. To work in this area as an independent professional may require being an Outdoor Learning Professional - Accredited Member of IOL or above, AND awareness training at an appropriate level covering the presenting issues of the clients they work with AND awareness of how to integrate the two fields.

Employers look for skills and experience in group leadership, management, organinisation and decision-making. They usually require a Mountain Leader Award and First Aid relevant to operating in more remote environments.

Previous overseas experience and the ability to help others deal with being far from home and in a new environment and a new culture is also important – these aspects are often covered in employer specific training as well.

The outdoor sector has a strong tradition of using skilled freelance staff to support a range of programmes. To work freelance (either as an employee or a contractor) you will need to offer relevant experience and technical knowledge and skills in subjects/activities.

You will also need to be covered by insurance and up to date with your DBS, D1, First Aid, Safeguarding and Data Protection awareness.

Many Outdoor Centre Managers have a background in instructing and may continue to teach as part of their job. A relevant degree, management and teaching qualifications can be an advantage as competition for posts can be fierce. You will need to have relevant experience and the necessary qualities to handle the responsibility – perhaps gained as a senior instructor, head of department or deputy manager.

For some, this will be a second career after school teaching, the armed forces, youth work or coaching.