An Outdoor Activity Instructor supervises and guides children and adults in activities and pastimes such as canoeing, sailing, climbing, surfing, cycling, hillwalking, archery, bushcraft, rock pooling, geology, plant identification, habitat or wildlife walks at an introductory level. They will be supervised while working in a limited range of venues and weather conditions following tightly defined operating procedures.
The main responsibility of an Outdoor Activity Instructor is to run a safe and enjoyable activity session. They will:
Prepare for the session – gather information about the participants and resources for the activity.
Deliver the session – brief participants, maintain safety, provide on-going instruction and encouragement.
Meet session outcome – support participants to achieve set outcome (such as new skills / knowledge, thrill seeking, personal or team challenge).
Close the session – hand-over participants, return resources and equipment, log any issues.
Outdoor Activity Instructors may undertake their apprenticeship with an employer who specialises in a particular client group (individuals or groups, specific age range, mental and physical ability) or range of activities offered. They exercise autonomy and judgement to complete tasks and procedures and call on close back-up for problems and incidents that may occur.
They actively respect the environment, show a positive attitude and are employed in outdoor adventure or education centres, nature reserves or national parks. Typical job titles may include Multi-Activity Leader, Environmental Education Tutor, Activity Instructor, Ranger, National Park Guide. Summary of Standard https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/outdoor-activity-instructor/ Full Standard https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1981/st0479_outdoor-activity-instructor_l3_ap-for-publication_30072018.pdf
