Apprentice Outdoor Activity Tutor
Sunderland City Council
Keswick (CA12 5RD)
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
Posted on 19 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to kickstart a career in the Outdoor Industry? Why not come and work for us and gain a qualification! This is a residential post giving you the opportunity of living and working at Derwent Hill Outdoor Education and Training Centre in the Lake District National Park whilst completing a level 3 qualification.
- Wage
-
£16,939 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
First year - £8.78 per hour
Second year and beyond will then increase to £10.00 per hour if aged between 18-20 or £12.21 if aged 21and over
- Training course
- Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
- Hours
-
Shift pattern which may include evening and weekend work.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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2
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
- Assisting colleagues with the delivery of high-quality outdoor education and training courses for the young people of Sunderland
- Contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor activity equipment
- Supporting the venue staff with preparing the building for incoming courses
- Contribute to a rota of evening and overnight on-call duties supporting clients on residential courses
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of the children and young people who visit the centre
Where you'll work
Derwent Hill
Portinscale
Keswick
CA12 5RD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SKERN LODGE 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
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Customer care skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Multi-tasking
- Genuine interest in career
- Literacy skills
Other requirements
Due to the nature of the work involved in this post, applicants need to be 18 years of age or over by September 2026.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Passing Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About this employer
Sunderland is a city full of ambition, and Sunderland City Council is a brilliant place to grow your career. We’re passionate about creating the best possible environment for our employees, communities, and local businesses to thrive. With around 2,500 employees delivering a wide range of services across the city, we offer opportunities at every level and in many different areas. Whether you’re just starting out in employment or looking for your next challenge, every role plays a vital part in helping us provide excellent services for the people of Sunderland. Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our city.
https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Apprentice_Outdoor_Activity_Tutor/291522 (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Access to Pension Scheme
- 26 days leave + bank hols
- Statutory & organisational sick pay
- 3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work
- Employee wellbeing support
- Discounted public transport travel pass
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
Tutor / outdoor activity instructor.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SKERN LODGE LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016700.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.