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Outdoor Instructor Development Scheme
Instructor Development Scheme
If you're working towards a career as an Outdoor Instructor, our Instructor Development Scheme is a chance for you to fast track your training and then get a permanent contract at Outward Bound.
You'll work on your outdoor qualifications and have a training allowance budget for approved assessments. You'll be mentored by one of our senior instructors and get practical work experience on the job. Alongside your training you'll also work as a Duty Instructor, supporting young people during their learning and adventure residential. Our Instructor Development Scheme typically takes between 3-12 months to complete depending on your level of experience when you start.
Your starting contract
Locations: Outward Bound Ullswater
Starting contract: You'll start on a short term contract employed as a Duty Instructor. It typically takes 3-12 months to complete the Instructor Development Scheme.
Paid hours: contracted for 40 hours per week - 32 hours working as a Duty Instructor, 8 hours paid training for the scheme.
Salary: £22,672 per year, from 1 April 2023, plus training allowance and benefits.
Finish the scheme: Once you graduate from the scheme, you'll be offered a permanent contract / salary as an instructor.
Apply by: 27 February 2023
Interview date: 15 March 2023.
Start date: Tuesday 30 May 2023.
Who we’re looking for
To succeed on our Instructor Development Scheme you'll be proactive, enthusiastic and determined. You're contracted to work for Outward Bound for 40 hours a week (32 as a Duty Instructor, 8 training on the scheme). Successful instructors in development also use their free time to actively work on skills development.
To join the scheme you'll already be well on the way to achieving two of the three NGB qualifications below, and started working towards the third:
- Summer Mountain Leader Award
- Rock Climbing Instructor
- BC Paddle sport Leader Award or Paddle sport Instructor plus Canoe award, or an equivalent previously recognised award.
You'll have some experience of working with young people in the outdoors - ideally helping them to learn and develop. We'd also like you to have a valid First Aid certificate and a full driving licence (preferably including D1 entitlement).
Have this, and the scheme typically takes 3-12 months before you're ready to become an Outward Bound Instructor.
Here's what you'll be doing....
1. Instructor in Development
- You'll be paid for 8 hours a week in this learning role, however you can do more hours in your own time.
- Permanent Instructor contract guaranteed on successful completion of the scheme.
- The scheme typically takes 3-12 months to complete.
- Self directed learning, with mentoring from a Senior Instructor.
- Training allowance budget available for approved assessments and NGBs.
- Access formal and informal training opportunities to develop the skills needed.
- Progress throughout guided, monitored and assessed by Scheme Leader.
- Build your experience by getting out and about with like minded Instructors in your free time.
- Successful Instructors in development dedicate time outside of their working hours to this aspect of the role.
2. Duty Instructor
Our duty instructor supports our safeguarding responsibilities, looking after the welfare and being the key point of contact for young people and any visitors primarily during the evening and at night.
- A short term salaried contract of 40 hours per week (32 as Duty Instructor, 8 in your learning role).
- Primarily evening and night work - with some days supporting Instructors on programmes.
- Responsible for the safety and security of our centre and maintaining safety standards.
- Provide immediate pastoral support for course participants.
- Be the first point of contact for anyone on site who requires out of hours assistance.
How to Apply
To apply for a place on our scheme please send us an email with your up to date CV and let us know why you’re a good fit for this job description (if this is a letter, no longer than two sides of A4). Send these to Kate: workforus@outwardbound.org.uk.
If you have any questions about the job or the recruitment process please message Kate.
Applications in by: 9am on 27 February 2023
Interviews: if you're shortlisted for the scheme you'll be interviewed 15 March 2023 at either centre.
Start date: see above for centre start dates.
If you’re offered a place on the Outdoor Instructor Development Scheme, you will be asked to complete a Disclosure check.
PS... We know that confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we’ll let you in on a secret: there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect candidate'. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. Good luck!
