Breaking into the Adventure Travel Industry: Becoming an Expedition Leader
Breaking into the Adventure Travel Industry: Becoming an Expedition Leader
If you're passionate about adventure and travel, becoming an expedition leader might be your dream job. However, breaking into the adventure travel industry can be challenging. In this guide, we'll outline some of the widely recognized courses and training opportunities in the UK to help you develop your leadership skills and kickstart your career. Plus, we'll also suggest some ways to gain experience and find job opportunities in the industry.
Mountain Leader Scheme: Your First Step in Expedition Leadership
The most common starting point for aspiring expedition leaders is obtaining a Mountain Leader Award. Offered by various reputable providers across the UK, this certification will boost your credentials and help you gain experience in the field.
Course content:
Mountain Training
Group Management
Navigation
Equipment
Weather Forecasting
Liability and Legal Requirements
Emergency Procedures
Requirements:
Minimum of 20 'quality mountain days'
Two-day first-aid qualification
Total of 40 mountain days (leading or accompanying groups)
Top providers:
Plas y Brenin
Glenmore Lodge
Tollymore
Expand Your Skills with Further National Governing Body Awards
After achieving your Mountain Leader (ML) Award, you can enhance your expertise by pursuing additional award schemes. Popular options include:
Winter Mountain Leader (WML)
International Mountain Leader (IML)
Swiftwater or Whitewater Rescue Technician Course
Mountain Bike Leader Award
First Aid Courses: A Crucial Component of Expedition Leadership
All the courses mentioned above require a minimum of a two-day (16-hour) first-aid course. You can also consider more advanced wilderness-specific courses, such as:
Rescue Emergency Care system (Levels 1-4)
Wilderness First Aid
Far from Help courses
Medicine in Remote Area (MIRA)
Wilderness Emergency Technician Course
Recommended providers:
Rescue Emergency Care
High Peak First Aid
Exmed
Glenmore Lodge
Off-Site Safety Management: A Must for Adventure Travel Professionals
A two-day Offsite Safety Course is essential for individuals involved in planning visits in the UK or overseas. Although the course primarily targets educational establishments, the principles apply to adventurous activities as well.
Diversify Your Skill Set for a Competitive Edge
Broadening your skills and experience can help you stand out in the adventure travel industry. Consider gaining experience through additional courses, personal travel, sports, or working as an assistant guide. Secret Compass even offers Adventure Academy trips for diverse activities in remote environments.
Finding Work in the Adventure Travel Industry
Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can explore job opportunities with adventure companies such as:
World Challenge
Outlook Expeditions
Far Frontiers
British Exploring Society
Intrepid
Additionally, you can find adventure jobs, training, and networking opportunities on the Explorers Connect (EC) website.
By following this guide and investing in the right courses and training opportunities, you can pursue a rewarding career as an expedition leader in the adventure travel industry.
Off-site Safety Management The Offsite Safety Course is a valuable asset for those planning visits in the UK or overseas. The two-day course provides an in-depth look at safety management, planning, and evaluation for local visits, field trips, residentials, and exchanges. Though targeted at educational establishments, the principles are applicable to adventurous activities.
Finding Work in Adventure Once you've built your qualifications and experience, look for work with adventure companies like World Challenge, Outlook Expeditions, Far Frontiers, British Exploring Society, Intrepid, or Secret Compass. Alternatively, visit the Explorers Connect (EC) website, a global platform offering adventure jobs, training, professionals, opportunities, and adventure-related weekends and social events.
With dedication and the right training, you can break into the adventure travel industry and embark on a fulfilling career as an expedition leader.