Coming into contact with so many people looking at becoming an Outdoor Instructor, many often ask how I got into it all. Running Instructor Training and Assessments and working closely alongside many different outdoor centres and providers, I often end up giving advice on becoming an Outdoor Instructor to people, so though I’d try and get some of my thoughts down here…
Becoming an Outdoor Instructor
Having started climbing at the age of 16, I soon forgot about the more academic aspects of my life. A new sport became an obsession and it was soon all I wanted to do! I was lucky in the early days that I had a mentor to “show me the ropes”, but that’s not to say my early climbing days all went smoothly…! Those stories are for another time..
I had considered an Outdoor Education degree, and indeed visited a few prospective Universities. But looking at the amount of debt that people came out of University with, and not necessarily any National Governing Body Awards (NGBs), I decided this was not the path for me. They seemed at the time biased towards either Outdoor Management or Earth Sciences. These weren’t right for me, but if these areas are something you’re interested in, then it might well be for you (huge debt not withstanding!). All I would say on the University Courses, is that from the several friends that have done them, none are currently working on anything to do with their degree… However, for a “professional” job, a degree always looks good.
Becoming an Outdoor Instructor, running an RCI Training Course in Pembrokeshire…
After completing my A levels (albeit halfheartedly) I spent a while working in an Outdoor Equipment shop, to bag the obligatory cheap gear, but also to save up for any one of the many trips I went on at this time. Trips to the Alps, Norway, The Andes and throughout Europe, alongside many British areas, meant that without realising it I was gradually accruing quite a log book of climbing and walking. I was (am) very lucky to have understanding and supportive parents, as being a “Climbing Bum” might not be possible or practical for everyone… Thanks Mum and Dad!
I was slowly becoming a shop monkey, rising up the ranks in a well known outdoor retailer. This was a great way to meet likeminded people and have great access to kit (wow how the prices have increased in the last 15 years!). Many of my lifelong climbing partnerships were founded here. It was great opportunity to gain some management experience, and this definitely stood me in good stead for future challenges – but it was just too much time inside!
Someone at some point suggested to me that I should look at becoming an Outdoor Instructor. I can’t remember who it was (thanks if it was you!), but after a bit of looking around, we settled on the fast track Instructor scheme at The Brenin. “Fast Track” schemes sometimes get a bit of stick, but if you go into them with previous experience, a good log book and an enthusiastic attitude, then you can get loads out of them!
Becoming an Outdoor Instructor, working on an ML Training Course in Snowdonia..
Having spent years Climbing, Mountaineering and Walking prior to the course, I was already way above the minimum requirement for most of the Mountain Training NGBs, so found them relatively easy and my pathway to becoming an Outdoor Instructor was initially straightforward. I got the opportunity to get awards in sports that were newer to me. This spread of awards across different sports is important for getting jobs in Multi Activity Centres. It would have taken me years of effort to get all the same NGBs had I attempted to do them all independently, instead of the intense 4 months at The Brenin.
There are a proliferation of these Instructor Training Courses these days, and whilst they can be expensive, consider the entire cost of going alone. It definitely worked out cheaper for me in the long run. What I would urge you to check is that the course is run by highly qualified and experienced people. Many of the ones I see nowadays are run by people with no more than the basic NGBs themselves…
After finishing the course, instead of going straight into a job, I did some work back in the shop (to save up for a trip to Yosemite – you never can get rid of the urge to explore the world!). My first seasonal Instructor job the following year was in Pembrokeshire, and I found it on the website Bluedome. It was a great centre, I made great friends, and I soon realised the area is pretty special… A year working in New Zealand, another year in Pembrokeshire, and a couple of years working in Dorset (all at Multi Activity centres) before finally ending up back in Pembrokeshire, sees me where I am now. All these centres, all the instructors I worked alongside and all the management I worked for shaped me into the well-rounded Instructor I am today. Variety really is the key. I discovered new sports, new sessions to work on, and subsequently more NGBs to get! This all makes you more employable, but also puts lots of variety into your daily work.
As well as working in multi activity centres on contract, I started working freelance. This gave me the opportunity to combine work with travel, and I started leading overseas expeditions to places like the Indian Himalaya and the Andes. Working with many different client groups, from schools to adults, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, pupil referral units and disability groups, all contributed to more skills, more experience and I guess more employability. The work at centres often wasn’t well paid, but you need to be able to look past the pay if you’re going to make it in the Outdoor Industry. Freelance work is better paid, but the problem with all of it is the seasonal nature of the work. During the winter months there are very few centres that are operational, and a year round job in this industry is to be snapped up!
After years of this work, I decided to commit to follow my true passion and gain higher level awards in Climbing and Mountaineering. Again, the logbooks were never an issue, what with being an obsessive climber, but it still takes time and dedication. I passed my Winter Mountain Leader while living in Dorset (no excuses anyone!) and my MIA a few years ago now. (EDIT – 2020 – now have passed my WMCI, the highest UK qualification in Climbing and Mountaineering, Summer and Winter) I still do the basic taster session work, but mix it up with higher end stuff too, making it all more enjoyable across the board. A typical week could see me giving Technical Advice to a Centre, Instructing on a Coasteering session, delivering an RCI Training or Assessment or even running a Bush Craft session on the beach.. Super varied and super fun!
Working as a Mountaineering Instructor, teaching Lead Climbing in Pembrokeshire.
I’m lucky to get more year round (and better paid) work now I’ve got higher level NGBs. I also am now in the position where I train and assess instructors starting out on their own outdoor career. Working up through the industry, I feel I’ve done most of the work out there, so am well-placed to advise people when they come on my SPA Training courses . When I’m running Learn to Lead Climb Courses or Self Rescue Skills days for climbers, I’m super passionate and have a great depth of experience to draw from, hopefully leaving clients inspired to go and be Climbing Bums themselves!
A week is never boring, work is never a chore, I get to work with my mates, though now running my own business I do spend more time on the computer than I’d like… So on that note, I’m off outside to play! Feel free to drop me an email with any questions about working in the outdoors, courses or even potential trip advice – I look forward to hearing from you! stu@climbingcompany.co.uk Or Contact us via the online form.
Basic qualifications/experience to consider when becoming an Outdoor Instructor:
– 16 hour outdoor first aid
– RCI
– ML
– UKCC Level 1/2
– 4 star specific discipline paddling awards
– D1 Minibus license
– Mountain Biking (different options out there)
– Surf Instructor (different options out there)
– Beach Lifeguard Award
– Coasteering experience (currently no award for this activity)
– Bush craft experience
– Archery
– Cave/Mine Leader award
– Team Building and games experience
– High Ropes course experience
– Facilitation experience
Teaching self-rescue skills to a group of Outdoor Instructors in Pembrokeshire, my work is varied and interesting now!