Instructor Training At the summit of Ben Nevis

Our trainee scheme is still under review. There is no likelihood of any new developments before the summer. Information provided below is a summary of the scheme prior to its current review, and is for illustration only.

Interested in becoming an Outdoor Education Instructor? – Read on!

The Ardroy Trainee Instructor Scheme is widely recognized as excellent preparation for work in the outdoor education field. Many outdoor establishments in Scotland and beyond will have knowledge of our scheme, and many will have employed successful graduates, and will appreciate the solid grounding gained.

The 9-month Trainee Instructor Course covers….

Soft Skills Training

This is assessed by the SQA qualifications: -

  • Level 2 – Activity Leadership
  • Level 3 – Outdoor Education

The syllabus includes:-

  • Health and Safety including: First Aid, child protection, equipment and facility maintenance, and food hygiene
  • Preparing Activity Sessions
  • Group Management Skills
  • Facilitation and Reviewing Techniques
  • Earth Education
  • John Muir Award
  • Woodland Skills

These aspects of the course will be delivered by theory lectures and supported by practical experience working with a variety of groups alongside a qualified instructor running centre programmes.

Technical Skills Training

The opportunity is offered to work towards National Governing Body (NGB) Instructor/Leader qualifications. Candidate’s prior experience and their commitment to practicing the technical skills and gaining solid logbook experience during their course will determine the number of NGBs that can actually be gained.

Activities include and lead towards….

  • Rock Climbing Single Pitch Award (SPA)
  • Paddlesport UKCC L1, plus 3 star in one discipline
  • Archery Community Leader Award (GNAS)
  • Orienteering Level 1 Coach (BOF)

Environmental Education

Aspects include: -

  • Background knowledge on environmental concepts including: food chains, energy flow and weather cycles
  • Appreciation and understanding of specific habitats including Atlantic Oak Woodland
  • Specific activity training in: Woodland Crafts, Environmental Awareness Walks and River studies
  • Training to run specific programmes: John Muir Awards, Natural Connections Awards and Forest Schools


Adventure Activity Skills Training

These activities are not directly covered by an NGB but combine the skills learned in both the soft and technical skills training.

Activities include: -

  • The Splosh – Ardroy’s very wet gorge walk
  • The Squeeze – Ardroy’s dry gorge walk
  • The Quest and Low Ropes Course – Team building activities
  • Jacob’s Ladder – High Ropes, Team building activity

How much does the course cost?

Depending on your age and circumstances, government-training grants and Project Scotland allowances may be available to United Kingdom residents.

The actual cost of the course could be up to £8,000.00, plus board and accommodation. This has yet to be finalised and assumes no external funding as above.

Where will I live?

Self-catering accommodation in double or single rooms is available through arrangement with Ardroy.

What sort of person can apply for the course?

Trainees are known as Assistant Instructors (AIs) at the centre, and should have a passionate interest and ideally a background of outdoor experience. While we do not need a pre-existing level of skill, a good foundation is required for it to be built upon during the year.

An ability to relate to, lead and inspire young people and adults is vital. AIs are seen as professional members of staff and are expected to act accordingly. Our clients do not make any distinctions between a fully Qualified Instructor and an AI.

A considerable amount of your personal time throughout the year is required. We teach you various skills; however it is incumbent on you to go away and practice them until they become second nature. After a long week with primary school children, going out night navigating or practicing kayak rolls can be the hardest thing to do during your free weekend!

The minimum age we consider applicants is eighteen. We generally look for people with considerable life experience. Currently the average age of people on the scheme is 22.

What are the job prospects after the course?

The vast majority of trainee instructors obtain employment in the outdoor education field.

The wide range of jobs our graduates obtain reflects life experience, the NGBs gained and their future aspirations.

Examples from the 2007/8 graduates:

  • SK – Instructor, Outward Bound Scotland
  • SO – Instructor, Actual Reality Scotland
  • RD – Instructor, Venture Trust.
  • MA - Instructor, Outward Bound Wales
  • LEa –Modern Apprentice, Ardroy

Yes please, what now?

If the above is of interest and sounds like you, please email us for more information, a brief description of yourself and contact details should be included.

Bright eyed bushy tailed people only please!!

To apply, or to obtain more information, please get in touch with Linda Till using the contact details at the foot of this page.