Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor

WALESBY FOREST

Newark, NG22 9NG

Closes in 19 days (Thursday 7 November)

Posted on 15 October 2024

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Summary

Walesby Forest are looking for their next energetic, ambitious, and outgoing cohort of activity instructors to join their residential apprenticeship programme in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.

Annual wage
£13,312 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary Details: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage

Training course
Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)
Hours
The role has seasonal peaks and troughs with longer days in the summer months and shorter in the winter. Shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 6 January

Duration

1 year 1 month

Positions available

12

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

  • Activity equipment checks
  • Activity equipment preparation
  • Leading activity sessions
  • Site housekeeping if required
  • Kitchen food servery if required
  • Evening activities for schools, groups and the public

Where you’ll work

Scout Association

Walesby Forest Scout Centre

Walesby

Newark

NG22 9NG

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

CHANNEL TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)

Equal to A level

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.

    • Your training plan

    Walesby Forest is an outdoor activity centre with a great friendly team at its core that provides 250 acres of fun for young people to enjoy abseiling, climbing, water sports, and a host of other activities. Does the thought of running these activities excite you? We work hard and play hard, and our team spirit is legendary.

    You will receive on-site training and guidance to complete the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship; you will also achieve at least 6 National Governing Body qualifications recognised throughout the industry. In addition, if you can demonstrate that you are one of our best instructors then there is the possibility of promotion to Team Leader.

    You will also work with the broadest range of customers including school age children, the scouts and guides, organised membership groups, the public, and corporate world. All of this experience will give you a great head start as you further your activity leadership career.

    No formal qualifications or experience are required, just a passion for working in the outdoors and a willingness to learn new skills. You will need a commitment to excellent customer service to give our visitors an experience of a lifetime.

    Skills and qualifications:

    • Level 1 (GCSE Grade D / 3) in Functional Skills Maths and English (Essential)
    • A good communicator and a good listener (Essential)
    • Water sport experience (Desirable)
    • Climbing experience (Desirable)
    • Energetic (Desirable)
    • Enthusiastic (Desirable)
    • Great with people (Desirable)
    • Self-confident (Desirable)
    • Team player (Desirable)

    Requirements

    Essential qualifications

    GCSE or equivalent in:

    • English (grade D/3)
    • Maths (grade D/3)

    Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

    Skills

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

    Other requirements

    This is a live-in position.

    About this company

    Walesby Forest, welcoming visitors since 1938, is an International Outdoor Adventure Activity Centre set in over 250 acres of forest, with over 30 adventure activities and a range of accommodation for a multitude of visitor groups. We are a not for profit organisation offering bespoke and inclusive experiences aimed at educating our visitors in a fun and safe environment within the heart of the incredible Sherwood Forest in Robin Hood country.

    https://www.walesbyforest.org.uk/ (opens in new tab)

    Company benefits

    This is a live-in position.

    After this apprenticeship

    • Progression to Team Leader – if you can demonstrate exceptional ability combined with a great attitude and a desire to keep learning then we have team leader positions available

    Ask a question

    The contact for this apprenticeship is:

    CHANNEL TRAINING LIMITED

    Beth Levene

    beth.levene@walesbyforest.org.uk

    The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000282275.

    Apply now

    Closes in 19 days (Thursday 7 November)

    When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

    After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

    Company’s application instructions

    To apply, email a copy of your CV and a covering letter to admin@walesbyforest.org.uk