Annual Salary
£16,000 to £30,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Outdoor activities instructors lead trips and teach skills in activities like hill walking, climbing, canoeing, skiing and snowboarding.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; as customers demand
There will be
0.5% more Outdoor activities instructor jobs in 2027.
In your day-to-day duties you could:
You could work at an activity centre or in the countryside.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You can get into this job through:
There's no set entry route to become an outdoor activity instructor but it may be useful to study a relevant qualification like a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Skills and Activities for Sport and Active Leisure (Outdoor Education).
This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. Then you could try to find a trainee job with an activity centre.
You'll also need to get coaching or instructor qualifications approved by the relevant national governing body for each of your sports or activities.
You'll usually need:
You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as an outdoor activity instructor or an outdoor learning specialist higher apprenticeship.
Employers usually set their own entry requirements but will often recruit people aged 18 or over.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
The key to finding work is to get as much work experience as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and make contacts who may help you to find paid work. You could try getting involved in activities, like:
You can apply directly to employers if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.
Some instructors have previous experience in youth work, teaching, sports coaching or training, or as physical training instructors in the armed forces.
You'll usually need:
You could complete relevant qualifications through sports or activity clubs, or at an accredited outdoor education centre.
Examples of instructor qualifications include:
You'll usually need at least 12 months' experience in the activity before you take the award. Check with the the relevant national governing body for your sport for details of courses and qualifications.
You'll need to:
You could join the Institute for Outdoor Learning, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
The Institute for Outdoor Learning has more information on becoming an outdoor activities instructor.
You could work on contract, or do freelance work.
Some work may be seasonal or may involve staying overnight at the centres. Your food and accommodation may be included as part of your salary.
With experience, you could progress to centre management, or set up your own activity centre.
Outdoor activities instructors are needed to encourage participation in outdoor activities in the West of England, helping people of all ages to access and build a greater appreciation for their local natural environment.
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For more local employment opportunities see the 'Live job vacancies by region' section above.
You'll need: