At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor activities and inspire young people in a supportive community.
- Company: Join Scripture Union Scotland, a charity dedicated to youth engagement and Christian values.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, accommodation, and a monthly salary for Trainee Instructors.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and professional development in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Passion for outdoor activities and experience working with children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Instructor Development Programme, SU Scotland Centres
SU Scotland is offering two exciting pathways: the Intern Programme and the Trainee Instructor Programme. Both are designed to help you explore a career in Christian outdoor activity leadership, each with its own starting point and unique growth opportunities.
We are now seeking to recruit an intern and trainee instructor to join our programme, based at Alltnacriche or Lendrick Muir respectively. As part of a centre community, you will have on the job experience in the day-to-day operations of our centres and the chance to work with children and young people, while developing essential skills in outdoor instruction.
Who we are:
Scripture Union Scotland is a registered charity that aims to see every child and young person in Scotland explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus. Our centres regularly host school groups participating in residential experiences, youth groups enjoying weekend breaks and a variety of SU Holidays. We aim to enable our guests to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, develop new skills and work together with a focus on building good relationships.
Intern Programme
This is a 1 year voluntary programme providing a stepping stone to a career as a Christian outdoor instructor. To qualify for this programme:
- You’ll have worked with children and young people in a couple of different settings
- You’ve enjoyed taking part in different outdoor activities
- You are connected with a local church and regularly read the Bible and meet up with other Christians
- You have a desire to help children and young people enjoy the outdoors and explore the Bible for themselves
What will the training look like?
You will spend a year with us, gaining foundational experience in activity instruction, team Bible studies, and personal faith development. By the end of your year, you will be ready to apply for the Trainee Instructor programme. In addition to in-house training, you can expect to gain qualifications in outdoor first aid and leading archery, as well as another national qualification in an area agreed with your mentor. You will start to build up the personal experience in outdoor activities needed for activity-specific training courses, e.g Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader, Paddlesport Leader and Climbing Instructor.
What will SU Scotland provide?
Food and accommodation at one of our centres, training and mentoring as part of the team.
Trainee Instructor Programme
This is a 2 year programme for those who are ready to take on more responsibility and begin working towards National Governing Body qualifications. To qualify for this programme:
- You’ll have worked with children in young people in a variety of different settings, including organising and delivering activities for them
- You have engaged with a variety of outdoor activities, taking responsibility for planning and organising some adventures and/or trips
- There is evidence of Christian growth through how you make choices about your life and you are happy to talk about your faith with others
- You have a desire to help children and young people enjoy the outdoors and explore the Bible for themselves
What will the training look like?
Over the two years, you will gain hands-on training and work towards NGB qualifications. You will deepen your understanding of the different challenges facing young people and broaden the range of young people you are able to effectively engage and develop through outdoor activities. As the instruction programme progresses you will begin to lead sessions with increased responsibility.
What will SU Scotland provide?
A monthly salary, accommodation at one of our centres and training and mentoring as part of the team.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking applicants who have a desire to work with young people and have a track record of engaging regularly in sport and fitness. You should have an interest in adventurous outdoor activities (e.g. trail biking, climbing, paddle sports, hill walking) and some previous experience of working with young people. You will also need to be prepared to be outdoors whatever the weather and use some of your free time to actively work on skills development.
For this post, it is important that you are committed to SU Scotland’s ethos, working principles and vision and are able to demonstrate this through your commitment and motivation. It is also an Occupational Requirement (Equality Act - part 1, schedule 9), that the post-holder is a committed Christian.
The successful applicants will be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Scheme and the appointment will be subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme Disclosure.
If you have any questions related to the role, please contact Shula at shula.bayton@suscotland.org.uk Alternatively contact us at hr@suscotland.org.uk.
Closing date: 4pm, 10 August 2026
Interview: 19 - 21 August, 2026 at Alltnacriche
Start date: September 2026
Please take a moment to read SU Scotland's Basis of Faith and Ethos statement. We ask all candidates to confirm their willingness to uphold the beliefs and practices contained in these documents as part of the application form.
Scripture Union Scotland is an equitable employer and operates a safeguarding policy. Scottish Charity No. SC0112.
SU Scotland Instructor Development Programme in Aviemore employer: Scripture Union Scotland
Scripture Union Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the beautiful surroundings of Lendrick Muir, where you can inspire and engage with young people through outdoor activities. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the chance to train and mentor Trainee Instructors while being part of a supportive team that shares your passion for faith and the outdoors. Enjoy a fulfilling career in a charity that values its staff and volunteers, providing a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SU Scotland Instructor Development Programme in Aviemore
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Leagues
Dive into the local sports scene! Volunteer at nearby sporting events or join community leagues to meet the right people. Networking in this way can help us score that internship with Scripture Union Scotland and get ahead of the competition.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Keep an eye out for sports management conferences or workshops in your area. These are perfect for us to connect with industry professionals, learn the latest trends, and potentially meet recruiters from organisations like Scripture Union Scotland looking for interns!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career services! They often have exclusive connections with local sports organisations and can guide us to internship opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Make sure to tap into these resources.
✨Show Off Your Passion on Social Media
It's all about visibility! Create a social media presence that showcases your love for sports and management. Share articles, thoughts on industry trends, and engage with posts from organisations like Scripture Union Scotland. This can put you on their radar before you even apply!
We think you need these skills to ace SU Scotland Instructor Development Programme in Aviemore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your love for sports shine through! Talk about your experiences in sports – whether it’s playing for a team, volunteering at local events, or even organising sports activities. We want to see that you live and breathe the field you're applying to, especially in a role like SU Scotland Instructor Development Programme at Scripture Union Scotland.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:For this internship, make sure to mention any relevant coursework or projects in sports management or recreation. Did you do a project on event planning? Or maybe you conducted research on sports psychology? Highlighting these experiences will show us that you're ready to jump in and learn more on the job.
Use Keywords from the Job Description:Tailor your CV to fit the role by using keywords from the job description. Look out for specific skills or qualities they're looking for and weave them into your CV. If they mention teamwork, leadership, or event organisation, make sure those shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to these details!
Keep It Informal and Engaging:Since we're all about fostering a friendly environment at Scripture Union Scotland, let your personality come across in your writing. Don’t be afraid to be conversational in your cover letter while still showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. We're looking for interns who can bring positive energy to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scripture Union Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Sports
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for sports and recreation during the interview. Share experiences from playing a sport, managing a team, or even volunteering at events. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested in the industry, not just looking for any internship.
✨Brush Up on Event Management Skills
Since sports-recreation management often revolves around organising events, be ready to discuss your organisational skills. Think about experiences where you coordinated activities or worked in team settings, and prepare to share these stories. We might dive into how you would handle specific scenarios, such as organising a tournament or community event.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Agility
Internships are all about learning, so show us your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt. Prepare to talk about times when you had to quickly learn something new or adapt to unexpected changes. We love candidates who are willing to grow and take feedback on board.
✨Bring a Portfolio of Your Work
Even as an intern, having a portfolio can set you apart! Put together any projects, reports, or presentations related to sports management that you’ve worked on. Visuals can really help convey your understanding and creativity in the field, and we’ll appreciate seeing what you can bring to Scripture Union Scotland.
