Case studies: Developing instructor: Chris

Chris graduated in 2007 from the University of Derby with a BA Hons in Outdoor Activities Management. He chose to work in the outdoor pursuits field because he has always enjoyed participating in outdoor activities such as scouting, kayaking, hill walking and climbing.

In 2008 he worked for a year as a trainee instructor for High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre based in the Yorkshire Dales. He was chosen by this company to take part in a one-year training course to become a developing instructor. During this time he had the opportunity to further develop his instructing skills and gain further qualifications.

I chose to work in the outdoor pursuits field because I have always enjoyed participating in outdoor activities such as scouting, kayaking, hill walking and climbing. I also wanted to give other people the chance to have the experiences that I have had. We run a wide variety of both residential and non-residential courses here for schools, youth groups, corporate groups and even stag and hen weekends. I love working with different kids every week and being outdoors in all types of weather and essentially being paid to do my hobby!

Although a degree wasn’t essential in getting my current job, as High Adventure were mainly looking for people who were very interested in working outdoors, it has helped me with the paperwork side of things. I also know my degree will be useful in the future when I am hopefully running a centre. However, work experience really helped to develop my instructing expertise as I was working with a group.

I saw this job advertised on the Institute for Outdoor Learning   website and had to apply by filling in an application form. I then had to participate in a selection weekend. Since I have been working at High Adventure, I have had the opportunity to gain lots of vocational instructing qualifications in a wide variety of outdoor activities. As I have become more experienced and confident, my role has developed a lot and I have more responsibilities. I am now leading groups on my own and driving groups to the venue. I am now qualified to run high and low ropes courses, archery, climbing, abseiling, bouldering, team building and local adventure walking. I also now help with the training of new instructors.

My future plans are to continue working here for another year, then move around working for different companies to help further my experience and skills. Eventually, I would like to run my own centre. It’s really important if you want to work in this field that you love being outdoors, whatever the weather or job that you have been asked to do and you need to enjoy working with children. Other than that, just be yourself and be truthful at interview, work hard and ensure that you meet the standards of the company.