Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship 2026
JCA Adventure
Shrewsbury (SY5 7AU)
Closes on Wednesday 12 November 2025
Posted on 1 September 2025
Contents
Summary
As experts in the outdoor activity industry, JCA will give you the tools to achieve industry recognised qualifications – a fantastic way to build your CV and progress within the outdoor industry. The apprenticeship will focus on the practical elements of the instructor role and support with any theory-based learning.
- Wage
-
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
- Hours
-
Full time position – this will include working some evenings & weekends. Shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Friday 2 January 2026
- Duration
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10 months
- Positions available
-
37
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Over the course of 10 months, we’ll provide you with all the training & skills you need to become a champion Activity Instructor.
With JCA, no two days will look the same – we have over 40 activities & you will be trained in delivering all of these. Once trained, you will lead your groups on these exciting activities and watch their confidence grow as they enjoy the adventure holiday of a lifetime!
You’ll be the leader of the pack for activities such as fencing and archery in the sunshine, final shoot out in laser quest and helping guests overcome their fears on the high ropes courses.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will achieve an industry recognised level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have the chance to gain further external qualifications including:
- Fencing Leader
- FSRT & Paddle Sports instructor
- GB Orienteering
- GB Archery
- First Aid
- NPLQ
We offer our apprentices the chance to live on site, so no boring commute to work! You’ll live and breathe what it means to be an Activity Instructor. You’ll make friends for life and tonnes of unforgettable memories.
Where you'll work
JCA Adventure
Condover Hall
Condover
Shrewsbury
SY5 7AU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SHREWSBURY COLLEGES GROUP
Training course
Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Find information on: the activity type and timings; outcome requirements; participant age; medical information; equipment and resourcing allocation; venue; weather conditions.
- Prepare sessions to achieve the required outcomesg. enjoyment, thrill seeking, personal or team challenges, acquisition of new knowledge or skills.
- Select methods to meet all participant needs g. visual impairment, mental and physical ability.
- Select methods to respond to potential changes in the environmentg. wind increasing in a sailing session or rain making conditions slippery underfoot.
- Collect appropriate equipment and resources.
- Ensure the venue is set-up and ready to be used.
- Maintain self and group safety when delivering the session.
- Deliver an effective session briefing with clear instruction and following organisational procedures.
- Perform a competent demonstration of the skills required for the activity or subject at the appropriate level for the session.
- Provide on-going instruction to encourage learning and progression.
- Follow organisational operating procedures to adapt to changes in the environment. E.g. thunderstorm, a wind shift to offshore in a surfing session.
- Select and implement organisational procedures to deal with routine problems.g. broken equipment.
- Provide basic First Aid to respond to accidents in a safe, prompt and effective manner. e.g. injured participant.
- Initiate organisational procedures to summon support in the case of incidents or accidents.
- Use the organisations set approaches for learning delivery.
- Support individual and group engagement and participation in the session g. energisers, sharing responsibilities, appropriate pace.
- Change the pace of the session to match participants’ speed of learning.
- Identify and support the individual participants’ needs g. give personal attention, active listening, allow additional time, encouragement.
- Apply simple techniques to deal with conflict and challenging behaviour g. redirection, increasing responsibility.
- Use simple review techniques to check the achievement of required outcomes e.g. thumbs up; rounds; memorable moments.
- Signpost participants to progression routes.
- Complete a session within time, including the restoration of the venue, return of equipment and resources and any logging or recording requirements.
- Use participant feedback and own reflection to suggest improvements to sessions.
- Communicate with customers and colleagues in a clear, concise and effective manner.
- Handle information in a way that conforms to policy and protects data.
- Assist with the development and preparation of resources and support colleagues delivering sessions
- Actively encourage whole group participation and promote equality and diversity.
- Undertake activities to further develop knowledge and personal skills.
- Reflect on own performance and make refinements.
Training schedule
- 10-month hands on & practical Apprenticeship programme
- Full time position – this will include working some evenings & weekends
- Residential position based in Condover, Shrewsbury
- Full 5 to 6 weeks training on-site including: the full range of our activities, health and safety, first aid, safeguarding & more
More training information
- Partnership with Shrewsbury College – including access to all learning facilities
- Support with passing Functional Skills qualifications if required
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Enthusiasm
- Interest in outdoor activity
Other requirements
Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Provide evidence of your Right to Work in the UK Provide references Be comfortable with working at height
About this employer
Established in 1994, JCA Adventure has been providing school groups with a platform for outdoor learning for over 25 years, enabling children to experience adventure education. Our UK activity centres offer a choice of one-day adventures, two to four-night multi-activity residential activities, netball and football tournament weekends, plus birthday parties for young adventurers. Our JCA team of group travel experts are committed to providing an experience that promotes education, personal development and of course, fun! Discover your perfect activity centre and let the adventure begin with JCA. Our years of experience in developing these adventures have seen JCA become one of the leading trusted providers of activity residential trips.
https://www.jca-adventure.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
On-site accommodation provided at a monthly deduction All meals included – even on your days off! Access to the Benefits Hub, our discounts app Staff events Use of the facilities – bring your friends & family along to show off your new skills!
After this apprenticeship
- Further opportunities with JCA and other Experience Education brands
- Chance to progress into a fully qualified Activity Instructor, Senior Activity Instructor or Activity Manager
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
JCA Adventure
Recruitment Team
recruitment@experienceeducation.com
01273 244573
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000339643.
Apply now
Closes on Wednesday 12 November 2025
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