Activity Support Team Member Apprenticeship (Outdoor Activity Instructor Level 3) - Co Durham

Activity Support Team Member Apprenticeship (Outdoor Activity Instructor Level 3) – Co Durham

Contract type: Full time / Seasonal or Fixed term

Location: Darlington, Co Durham

Salary: Apprentice NMW

Closes: 30/11/25

Hours: Full Time (45 Hours per week)

Pay rate: National Minimum Wage for Apprentices £7.55 per hour

Location: Outdoor Ambition Ltd, 21 Lakeland Estates Business Park, Faverdale North, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 0PX

Skern Training and Skills are recruiting on behalf of Outdoor Ambition Limited, a successful and growing business based in the North East of England, which provides Alternative Education to students and young people aged 5-19 yrs through educational outdoor opportunities and other pursuits.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Activity Support team member to join us. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys working with young people, and wants to build a meaningful career in alternative education.

Outdoor Ambition Ltd is a successful and growing organisation based in the North East of England. We provide Alternative Education for young people aged 5–19 who face barriers to accessing mainstream education. Our programmes use outdoor and adventurous learning to engage students, build confidence, and promote personal development.

We work with young people who may be disengaged from classroom learning or have additional needs, including Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Our team is inclusive, caring, and passionate about making a difference.

The Opportunity

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll work toward the Outdoor Activity Instructor Level 3 qualification, gaining hands-on experience while supporting young people who may be at risk of disengaging from education.

You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team where flexibility, initiative, and a positive attitude are essential. The role involves working across all areas of the business to ensure smooth operations and high-quality delivery.

Standard hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, 5 days out of 7 (including weekends)

Due to the nature of the role and its changing schedule, you must hold a full UK driving licence and be flexible in your working hours. You may be required to work additional hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with a minimum of one week's notice.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering outdoor learning sessions and activities
• Work 1:1 or in small groups with students, including those with SEMH needs
• Support student engagement, development, and personal growth
• Act as a positive role model, upholding Outdoor Ambition’s values
• Help plan and deliver safe, effective, and enjoyable sessions
• Support students in both outdoor and indoor environments

What We Offer

• Contributory Company Pension Scheme
• Fully funded CPD opportunities (repayable if leaving within 6 months)
• Free parking and cycle storage
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Free uniform
• Overtime options
• Counselling and Wellbeing Portal

Outdoor Ambition is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people we work with. All staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for successful applicants. Pre-employment checks, including online searches, will be conducted in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.

Entry requirements

• A full UK driving licence
• An Enhanced DBS check (required for all successful applicants)
• Functional Skills in English and Maths are optional and can be studied if you do not already hold Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4/C qualifications

Skills required

• Customer care skills
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Physical fitness

Training to be provided

• Apprenticeship Training Provided by Skern Training
• 1-to-1 coaching and observations with a dedicated training specialist
• Group face-to-face teaching delivered in blocks throughout the year at a central location
• Remote tutorials with your trainer
• Access to an e-learning platform with activities and coursework

Things to consider

• You’ll work 45 hours per week, on a rota basis (5 days out of 7)
• You must be able to work across multiple locations in the North East, including Darlington and Newburn
• Driving is essential due to the nature of the role and travel requirements
• We offer individual career development opportunities in outdoor education, including progression through governing bodies and qualifications in areas such as climbing, paddling, and more — tailored to your interests and goals.