Planit


Outdoor Activities Instructor or Leader

Outdoor Activities Instructor or Leader Image

An outdoor activities instructor or leader teaches individuals and groups, of all ages and abilities, outdoor based activities and watersports such as hillwalking, abseiling, orienteering, canoeing, sailing, skiing and snowboarding.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

An apprentice instructor would normally be based on the National Minimum Wage. The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £5.28 an hour (1 April 2023).

As an outdoor activities instructor on £30,000 a year. Depending on your terms of employment you may be paid a fee for each excursion, rather than a regular salary. If you work freelance, wages could be £100 to £180 a day or more plus expenses.

You may be provided with accommodation and meals.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

LMI data powered by LMI for All

Getting In

Outdoor education centres (except those where members of an organisation run courses for other members of the same organisation, or where parents accompany young people) must meet the regulations of the Adventure Activities Licensing Service run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which arranges licences for staff. See the HSE website for more details. There are several ways into this career.

You need:

There are jobs in local authority outdoor centres, centres run by sports bodies and private activity holiday centres. Note that to work in a local authority centre, you may need a teaching qualification – check with the local authority.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2022
6246
1.5 %
FALL
2027
6154
  United Kingdom
2022
83379
1.4 %
RISE
2027
84526

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

You need to be:

You must have a responsible attitude to health and safety. The ability to swim is normally required.

Training

Getting On

More Information

cInterest in outdoor sports and activity holidays is increasing and VisitScotland is encouraging active tourism throughout Scotland. So there are more jobs for outdoor experts who are able to teach others. Your prospects are better if you have qualifications in at least two activities. Some centres specialise in outdoor activities for people with disabilities.

For more information please see organisations listed below:

Video

Was this article useful?
Please help us improve Planit by rating this article.