Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprentice

Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprentice at Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre

Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre delivers adventurous activities to groups from across the community from our 56-acre site in Dunston, at our water facility at Ebchester and offsite in the great outdoors.

This is an opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications in areas such as archery, climbing and water sports, and achieve a Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor qualification. Your apprenticeship will be supported by some of the most enthusiastic and capable instructors in the northeast who are keen to share their experience with you and develop you to your full potential.

Who are we?

Whickham Thorns is part of Gateshead Scouts, but our centre does not just work with Scouts. The centre regularly works with school groups, families, and members of the public to help them get the most from the great outdoors.

This role is for you if:

• You’ve just finished college, or something similar and you’re looking for your next challenge

• You love spending time in the great outdoors

• You’re good with people and enthusiastic 

• You have level of fitness and a great working in a team

• You’re keen to learn from industry experts and achieve a range of qualifications.

• You want to feel fully prepared to develop your career in the outdoors

• You are flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends around the needs of our customers.

As this role involves contact with children, you will be expected to pass an enhanced DBS check and abide by all safeguarding protocols.

How much will I be paid?

Your hourly rate will be £7.04 per hour. This is the national apprenticeship rate + 10%. You’ll also get paid holidays and have the option to join our pension scheme. Remember you’re also getting £’s worth of qualifications, which is the primary reason for doing an apprenticeship. After one year your rate of pay will increase according to your application to the role and the qualifications gained.

What qualifications will I earn?

You’ll get the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor qualification. You will also be given the opportunity to earn a number of activity specific NGB qualifications depending on skills and interests. Your work experience will provide you with some of this, however you will need to practice and apply yourself outside of work for the higher-level awards.

How many hours a week will I work?

Our activity centre is open 7-days a week and you’ll be required to work weekends as standard. Your working week will be 40 hours over 5 days, with some longer and shorter days as workloads dictate.

Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that is part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week or 20% of their total hours/week)

How long is the apprenticeship programme, and what’s next?

Our Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship runs for 13-18 months. Using your experience on the apprenticeship you could go on to an Activity Instructor position at Whickham Thorns.

To find out more please visit the Whickham Thorns website here.

Day to Day Duties:

• Outdoor Activity Instruction

• Maintaining activity equipment

• Assisting with running the centre

Skills and qualifications:

• Level 1 (GCSE Grade D / 3) in Functional Skills Maths and English is essential.

• Applicants must be a team player, flexible, enthusiastic, professional, punctual and reliable.

• An interest in working with young people.

• Prior experience of adventurous activities is desirable.

• GCSE grade C in English & Maths is desirable but not essential.

Vacancy location:

Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre, Market Lane, Gateshead, NE11 9NX

Essential Details:

Salary: £7.04 per hour / £281.60 per week

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Open to 16-18 year olds: Yes