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Outdoor pursuits manager: Training

Training is ongoing once in post, as it is essential to keep vocational skills and qualifications up to date. Changes in the popularity of activities may mean gaining qualifications in other specialist areas. For example, if marine leisure is identified as a growth area, additional qualifications in this area could increase employability.

It is very useful to learn how to drive a minibus and tow a trailer so that you can transport clients and equipment to the activity site.

In order to gain year-round employment whilst working as an instructor, it is also an advantage to consider the implications of varying seasonal demands, for example, a level two canoeing qualification allows you to coach canoeing in summer, but a level three qualification is needed for winter, because the waters are more dangerous then. There are also major differences in the teaching of climbing during the summer and winter months. Contact the relevant national governing body or the Institute for Outdoor Learning for details of the qualifications you can take.

Many employers will sponsor employees (even part-time seasonal ones) to complete additional qualifications while working as an instructor which can be a considerable perk.

Outdoor pursuits managers may also take qualifications in related fields, such as:

• counselling and mentoring;
• business management;
• facilities management;
• training and development;
• finance or marketing.

These qualifications can be particularly useful as they may facilitate career progression to higher positions, for example within a local authority's leisure services department.

AGCAS

Written by Annette Millar, University of Plymouth

Last updated:

June 2009

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