Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor - Devon
Adventure Okehampton
Location: Okehampton, Devon
Salary: £NMW
Closing date: 31/1/25
Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor at Adventure Okehampton
As an Apprentice Instructor, you will be given training in a variety of in-house activities, including but not limited to; Axe throwing, Archery, Grass Sledging, Climbing Wall, Low Ropes, Campfire, Guided Walk & Team Games, as well as working towards various National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications.
We aim to provide all staff with a 2 day outdoor 1st aid qualification and Level 1 Mountain bike instructor award scheme (MIAS) training & assessment. In addition, working with Channel Training you will set your own goals to train towards other qualifications of your choice.
You will assist our existing instructors in the delivery of these activities to groups, before yourself, taking the lead role. Once competent you will be signed off to lead the activity unsupervised. You will also take on the school duty role, ensuring that group leaders are informed and looked after throughout their stay.
Pre-requisites
You will need GCSE Grade D/3 or above in Functional Skills maths and English. Otherwise, the Apprentice Instructor role is aimed as an entry into work in the outdoor industry. As such there are no pre-requisites other than a clean DBS check and a good attitude. Any experience working with the general public or children will be to your advantage.
Responsibilities
• Attend and engage is training sessions.
• Complete background theory work, as assigned by your course tutor.
• Utilise spare time and Peers, to increase your own level of personal competence in each activity i.e. practice!
• Ensure that you are fully informed, up-to-date and adhering to, Adventure Okehampton Risk Assessments and Operating Procedures.
• Assist qualified staff in the delivery of activities.
You will be considered competent to lead an activity when you can confidently:
- Plan and prepare activity content in a pro-active manner to meet client’s needs.
- Ensure that all necessary kit is ready in good time and safe working order.
- Liaise with teachers, group leaders and parents ensuring that they have access to all the necessary information regarding their activities.
- Deliver the activity safely and confidently.
- Be fully conversant with the activity Operating Procedure & Risk Assessment
- Be responsible for the safe and appropriate storage of the activity equipment.
Further Duties
• Maintain the cleanliness of store rooms and communal areas.
• Undertake any training and professional development as and when required.
• Assist in any other related site-work that arises.
• Carry out recorded checks on equipment.
• Run the on-site tuck-shop.
Other Skills/Attributes
The role of outdoor instructor isn’t a job, it’s a way of life. You don’t work with colleagues; you work with friends. Attitude is everything and we choose to have fun every day and enjoy what we do.
You must be:
- Pro-active and have a diligent organised approach to tasks.
- Adaptable and dynamic in your problem-solving skills.
- Motivated and positive whatever the weather
- Open to the ideas of others – even if it’s the work experience kid coming up with the new ideas!
Please Note: This description is not intended to establish a total definition of the job, but an outline of the duties. We all help each other in all departments so you may find yourself helping with anything from bike hire to pot wash, to bed making.
Contract length and wage
This is a full-time contract, planned to start on April 13th 2026 (negotiable depending on personal circumstances) and end in April 2027.
As we reach the end of the 12 months we will discuss your plans for the future and if you wish to stay for a second season as a full instructor. Since 2021 100% of our apprentices have stayed to work a second season.
Hours of work vary throughout the year, with our busiest period in June & July and quietest period through the winter where we reduce to part-time hours. We get paid monthly for the hours we work and we guarantee a minimum of 3 days work per week (it will usually be a lot higher!)
The post meets national apprentice wage and will increase as you gain NGB qualifications.
Accommodation
We have a limited supply of on-site accommodation. This is free of charge in exchange for some warden duties, including but not limited to:
- Overnight emergency call
- Evening shut-down of the building
- Basic Reception duties
- Tuck Shop
Find out more about Adventure Okehampton on their website.
Skills and qualifications:
Essential:
- Positive and can-do attitude regardless of the weather.
- Ability (or willingness) to speak and give instructions to a group of people.
- GCSE Grade D/3 or above in Functional Skills Maths and English
Vacancy location
Adventure Okehampton, The Goods Shed, Klondyke Road, Okehampton EX20 1EW
Essential Details:
Salary Details: Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (the wage will increase as you gain NGB qualifications)
Working Hours: The working week as standard is Monday to Friday, 0845-1700 each day. However, as a busy activity centre we also work some evenings (standard 1715-2100) and weekends.
We guarantee a minimum of 3 days work per week
Open to under 18s? We welcome non-resident applications from 16-18yr olds. However applicants requiring accommodation must be 18 years + as they may be in a position of responsibility without immediate assistance when carrying out warden duties.
Closing Date: 16th January 2026
Interview Date: Can be flexible to suit personal circumstances. For applicants outside of the local area we can arrange a video interview in the first instance, those on a short list will then be invited to attend an onsite interview.
Possible Start Date: 13th April 2026
To apply:
Please contact [email protected] for an application form.
(Ian works irregular hours through the winter months and so replies may take a few days.)
Please contact [email protected] if you have any queries about the role.