Apprentice - Outdoor Education Instructor (Thurston Outdoor Education Centre, Coniston, Cumbria)
South Tyneside Council
Coniston (LA21 8AB)
Closes in 15 days (Thursday 20 November 2025)
Posted on 4 November 2025
Contents
Summary
We are seeking to appoint a motivated individual with the aptitude and ability to undertake a Level 3 apprentice programme, in partnership with Kendal College. The role involves both on and off the job training and gaining experience as an Outdoor Activity Instructor.
- Wage
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£15,815.28 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
£8.22 per hour rising to National Min. wage after 365 days.
- Training course
- Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
- Hours
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Hours of work: 37 hours per week over 5 days, including some weekend and evening work. Start date may change due to recruitment checks and college enrollment.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Thursday 1 January 2026
- Duration
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1 year
- Positions available
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1
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
- To train and develop knowledge, skills and ability in all aspects of outdoor instruction
- Whilst undertaking this learning and development opportunity, you will positively contribute to a dynamic outdoor learning centre
Where you'll work
Thurston
Coniston
LA21 8AB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
KENDAL 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
- Apprenticeship training
- Shadowing on the job
- Off the job learning
- Attend College
More training information
You will learn and develop the skills and experience needed to deliver safe, high-quality outdoor education and training courses for children, young people, and adults.
Alongside this, you will gain valuable experience working across different areas within an Outdoor Education Centre, including maintaining outdoor equipment and supporting venue staff. You will receive support to achieve a Level 3 qualification as an Outdoor Education Instructor, benefit from National Governing Body training and assessment courses, and take part in in-house training and development. Additional benefits include possible onsite accommodation availability.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/4 or above (Or ECHP))
- Maths (grade C/4 or above (Or ECHP))
Other in:
- English (grade Level 2)
- Maths (grade Level 2)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Team working
- Non judgemental
- Follow instructions
- Friendly
- Adaptable
- Dedicated to attend work
Other requirements
Other requirements for this apprenticeship include: You may need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Being comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions as well as indoors. Physical ability to handle and maintain outdoor equipment safely. Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends or evenings if needed.
About this employer
At South Tyneside Council, we are committed to growing our own. Our apprenticeships are designed to provide a clear path for career progression. As you gain experience and complete your apprenticeship, you will have opportunities to take on more responsibilities and advance within the organisation. Many of our apprentices have moved into full-time roles and have continued to grow, taking on leadership positions and contributing to larger projects.
https://southtyneside.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
A full list of employee benefits can be accessed here: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/1083/Benefits-of-working-for-South-Tyneside-Council.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to build key employment skills and gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for a successful career in the outdoor education sector. You’ll develop practical expertise, professional confidence, and a strong foundation for future roles within this exciting environment. While we hope that apprentices will progress into a permanent position with us, this cannot be guaranteed—but the skills and qualifications you gain will open doors to a wide range of opportunities in the industry.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
South Tyneside Council
Jen Steventon
jen.steventon@southtyneside.gov.uk
01539441218
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000349392.
Apply now
Closes in 15 days (Thursday 20 November 2025)
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