JCA 2027 Apprentice Activity Instructor
JCA Adventure
Shrewsbury (SY5 7AU)
Closes on Sunday 15 November 2026
Posted on 27 August 2026
Contents
Summary
If a traditional 9 to 5 office job isn't for you, this apprenticeship could be the perfect fit. Over 10 months, JCA will provide all the training, support and industry-recognised qualifications you need to become a confident Activity Instructor and build a career in the outdoor industry.
- Wage
-
£16,640 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 40 hours per week, including evenings & weekends
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 4 January 2027
- Duration
-
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
You will play a central role in each group's stay, delivering safe, fun and engaging activity sessions in a residential setting. You'll help create memorable experiences for guests, ensuring every session is delivered with enthusiasm, professionalism and care.
Activity Delivery & Quality:
- Deliver all activities to your group in line with JCA’s standards
Adapt your delivery style to suit the needs, abilities, and dynamics of different guest groups - Ensure all activities are run safely, enthusiastically, and with a focus on guest engagement
- Prepare and maintain equipment and activity bases to ensure readiness and safety
Safety & Compliance:
- Follow JCA’s safety policies and operational guidelines during all sessions
- Assist in the prevention, response, and reporting of incidents, accidents, and safeguarding concerns
- Provide first aid support when required
Customer Experience:
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests
- Build rapport with groups to enhance their experience and encourage participation
- Respond to guest queries and concerns professionally and empathetically
- Support the collection of feedback to help improve future delivery
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with fellow instructors and team leaders to ensure smooth daily operations
- Attend training sessions and team briefings to stay informed and prepared
- Procedures during busy periods and contribute to a positive team culture
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 COLLEGE
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
JCA works in partnership with Shrewsbury College, combining practical, hands-on experience with structured learning and support.
With over 40 activities on offer, no two days are the same. You'll be trained to deliver a wide range of activities, leading groups through exciting experiences and helping them grow in confidence while creating unforgettable memories.
On completion, you'll achieve a Level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership, with opportunities to gain additional qualifications including Fencing Leader, FSRT & Paddle Sports Instructor, GB Archery, First Aid and NPLQ.
More training information
We also offer on-site accommodation, giving you a fully immersive experience with no daily commute. You'll make lifelong friends, develop valuable skills and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- As this role involves working with children, we follow safer recruiting practices
- We are required to obtain references and an Enhanced DBS check prior to employment (we cover the cost and organise it for you)
- You will be required to provide referee details and a selection of ID documents such as a Passport or Full Birth Certificate
- You'll be enthusiastic, passionate about the outdoors, and enjoy working with children and young people
- Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be aged 18 or over
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
- Achieve your level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership alongside other qualifications
- Support with passing Functional Skills if required
- Staff events and Friends &
- Family activity days
- Employee & student discounts
- Free DBS check
- On-site shared accommodation provided at a discounted monthly deduction
- Free meals
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
Use of the facilities
Further opportunities
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On completion, you'll achieve a Level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership, with opportunities to gain additional qualifications including Fencing Leader, FSRT & Paddle Sports Instructor, GB Archery, First Aid and NPLQ. You'll also have the opportunity to return the following year as a Seasonal Activity Instructor with progression opportunities to grow into a Senior Instructor.
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 VAC2000050320.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 15 November 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.