Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor JCA Adventure

If a 9-5 office job or sitting behind a desk all day is just not your thing, this could be just what you’re looking for. As experts in the outdoor activity industry, JCA will give you the tools to climb your way to the top and achieve industry recognised qualifications – a fantastic way to build your CV and progress within the outdoor industry!

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 08 Dec 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,982.40

    You will also have: Access to Travelopia’s Travel bar with a range of discounts across restaurants, high street retailers etc. JCA uniform inc. branded t-shirts, fleeces and jackets All of your meals included – even on your days off! Plus more..

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    This is a live-on-site position, where you will be typically working Monday to Friday, with some evenings and weekends

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    13 Months

  • Possible start date

    03 Jan 2024

  • Date posted

    03 Oct 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000202790

  • Positions

    35 available

What you will do in your working day

  • With JCA, no two days will look the same – we have over 40 activities & you will be trained in delivering all of these!
  • We have a range of outdoor and indoor activities and once your group arrives on-site, you are their instructor for the whole of their stay!
  • You’ll be the leader of the pack for activities such as fencing and archery in the sunshine, final shoot out at the laser quest and helping guests overcome their fears on the abseiling tower and aerial trek high above the trees! Your top priority will be keeping your pack safe and making sure everyone has the time of their lives!

The training you will be getting

Over the course of 13 months, we’ll give you all the training, equipment and confidence needed in this role – so no previous experience required!

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 opportunity to live on-site, so no boring commute to work, and all of your meals are included too!

There will be 5 to 6 weeks training on-site when you start, which will include: the full range of outdoor activities, health and safety, first aid, safeguarding & more.

You'll have the chance to make friends for life and tonnes of unforgettable memories whilst completing your apprenticeship, and the place you’ll call home is Condover Hall, our flagship centre in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Set in the stunning Shropshire countryside and just a stones throw from a lively town with lots to do.

At JCA, we have over 25 years’ experience in providing fun and educational adventures for school and youth groups. We’re big enough to challenge, small enough to care – You’ll never be just another number. We pride ourselves on having a close working relationship with all of our instructors – So if you’ve got your eye on development within the outdoor education industry, we’ll support and help you get there.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, there are multiple options for you to progress in your career:

  • You could continue working for JCA and become a resident Seasonal Activity Instructor
  • You could progress to a Team Leader or Senior Activity Instructor within the team
  • You could branch out and experience a different type of adventure at one of our other seasonal centres across the UK
  • We also have options for instructors to work overseas with our other brands, SkiBound or TravelBound

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Team working, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade C or 4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade C or 4) Desired

Things to consider

The initial training programme runs for 5/6 weeks through January- February, you will need to be available for that full period. This is an on-site/live-in position for 13 months. Should you not have grade C/4 Maths and English GCSE, we can support with passing functional skills qualifications.

About the 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.

Employer

JCA Adventure

Address

JCA Adventure

Condover Hall

Condover

SY5 7AU

You must have JavaScript enabled to view a map of the location


Training

Training provider

SHREWSBURY COLLEGES GROUP

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Outdoor activity instructor

Level 3 (A level)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications


Employer's Application Instructions

Once you’ve made your application, you will be contacted by one of our friendly recruitment team for a chat, then invited to attend one of our Recruitment events on-site. During the event you’ll get to meet your potential new colleagues, explore what could be your new home/workplace and most of all, have fun! There will be the chance to try out some activities and really get the feel for what life is like here. Accommodation and meals will be covered by us for the whole event too!

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 08 Dec 2023