Apprentice Outdoor Instructor

LEICS OUTDOOR PURSUITS CNTRE

LEICESTER (LE4 5PN)

Closes on Sunday 1 November 2026

Posted on 16 September 2026

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Summary

Do you love being outdoors? Want a job where every day is different and where you can make a real difference to people's lives?

At Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, you'll learn how to become a qualified outdoor instructor while earning a wage, and gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

Wage

£12,480 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
Hours
30 hours per week, which may include evening and weekend work.

30 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 January 2027

Duration

1 year

Positions available

4

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'll be part of a friendly and experienced team, supporting and delivering a variety of exciting outdoor activities, including:

  • Archery
  • Rock Climbing
  • Canoeing
  • High Ropes
  • Bushcraft
  • Assisting and then eventually leading activities
  • Assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of equipment and site
  • Liaising with customers and other members of staff

Where you'll work

LOUGHBOROUGH ROAD
LEICESTER
LE4 5PN

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CHANNEL TRAINING LIMITED

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

Full training will take place at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre during working hours. 

More training information

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre will work in partnership with training provider, Channel Training.

A structured independent learning plan for the apprenticeship programme, will be produced on induction day.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade C/4)
  • Maths (grade C/4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

All instructors, must be aged 18 due to the nature of their responsibilities looking after groups. We take on anyone who is either aged 18+ or approaching 18.

About this employer

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre provides adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people and others at affordable prices in a challenging and safe environment. 

When you join Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, you'll be learning with an organisation that is recognised for developing outstanding apprentices.

🏆 Highly Commended, BCS SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
East Midlands National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025

🏆 Finalist, BCS SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
East Midlands National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026

These achievements reflect our commitment to investing in people, delivering high-quality training, supporting career development, and creating opportunities for apprentices to thrive.

As an apprentice with us, you'll be joining a programme that continues to be recognised for excellence, having been highly commended in 2025 and shortlisted as a finalist again in 2026.

 

https://www.lopc.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Industry-recognised qualifications, including:

  • First Aid
  • Paddlesport Instructor
  • Archery Instructor
  • Bell Boat Helm
  • Plus a range of additional instructor qualifications
  • A comprehensive induction programme, including training on our High Ropes Course
  • A high-quality outdoor uniform
  • Ongoing professional development workshops

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Our former instructors have gone on to:

  • Senior and management positions at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
  • Full-time instructor roles at LOPC.
  • Outdoor centres across the world, including Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.
  • Outdoor Education degrees at university.
  • Careers with Centre Parcs.
  • Specialist education settings and alternative provision schools.
  • Freelance instructing opportunities throughout the UK.
  • Teaching qualifications and careers supporting outdoor learning in schools.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHANNEL TRAINING LIMITED

David Robinson

david@lopc.co.uk

0116 2681426

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053785.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 1 November 2026