Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor with Sandwell Youth Service

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Tipton (DY4 9AB)

Closes in 6 days (Thursday 12 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 4 February 2026

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Summary

This is a great opportunity to learn how to deliver a range of outdoor activities to people of all ages whilst gaining a qualification.

Wage

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
Hours
Shifts to cover Monday to Sunday between 8am and 6pm, not to exceed 37 hours per week. For evening and weekend working Time Off in Lieu will be given

37 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions available

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 assist with the delivery of outdoor adventurous activities that include: Canoeing and Kayaking, Raft-Building, Climbing, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Archery, Team Games, Hill Walking and Camping.
  • Help with site and equipment maintenance
  • Assist with induction of visiting groups of pupils/students
  • Assist with the supervision of groups on off-sites.
  • Ensure H&S and safeguarding/child protection policies are adhered to.
  • Assisting with promoting the centre and service through production of materials, attendance at events
  • Assist with kitchen and cleaning duties, including assisting with the serving of food and washing up

Where you'll work

Malthouse Stables
Hurst Lane
Tipton
DY4 9AB

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS 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

The majority of your training will take place at your workplace.

More training information

As well as working towards a Level 3 qualification you will learn job-specific skills from experienced colleagues. Sandwell apprentices also participate in our bespoke "Skills Academy" for apprentices. In addition to a workplace mentor you will receive support throughout your apprenticeship by a dedicated mentor from the Council's Apprenticeships team

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

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Interest in Outdoor Activities

Other requirements

  • The role will involve working outdoors in all weathers, all year around. Protective, weather appropriate gear will be supplied.
  • A confident and outgoing personality would best suit this role due to the level of client interaction and engagement required.
  • A DBS check will be carried out for this role- the cost of this will be met by the employer

About this employer

Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

http://www.justyouth.org.uk/malthouse-outdoor-activity-centre/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

The post is offered on a fixed-term contract to cover the duration of the apprenticeship training. You will receive support and guidance to identify and apply for any further apprenticeships or internal jobs that you are suitably experienced and qualified for. Our "Next Steps" workshop will help you to identify the skills that you have gained throughout your apprenticeship in order to update your CV and apply for any opportunities.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008609.

Apply now

Closes in 6 days (Thursday 12 February 2026 at 11:59pm)