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- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor activities and inspire others while learning from experienced mentors.
- Company: Skern Lodge, a top outdoor education centre in stunning North Devon.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, on-site accommodation, meals included, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in outdoor education and enjoy the thrill of adventure every day.
- Qualifications: Passion for outdoor activities and good communication skills; some experience preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and gain valuable skills with potential for career progression.
Based in Appledore, North Devon, we have been delivering outdoor activities, experiential learning and development training since 1976. We teach new skills, build confidence, fulfil your sense of adventure, and ensure you have boatloads of fun!
This is an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to pursue a career in outdoor education. You will learn from highly experienced mentors, receive a generous Apprenticeship hourly rate, and develop within a well-resourced and established setting with up-to-date equipment and infrastructure.
Two of the best-known outdoor centres in Devon, Skern Lodge and the Ultimate Activity Centre, are located near Bideford in an area of outstanding natural beauty and world-famous coast. The centres offer watersports and impressive outdoor facilities, providing a diverse range of outdoor activity and education opportunities with dedicated state-of-the-art activity provision for all curriculum stages.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting with planning and preparing for activities
- Demonstrating and instructing, with the ability to motivate groups and individuals with centre-related activity, both outdoor and indoor
- Carrying out safety checks and explaining safety procedures and requirements to both groups and individuals
- Assessing and managing risk, promoting inclusion with whole group participation while inspiring environmental stewardship
- Supporting the team and working with centre staff on a day-to-day basis to facilitate the centre’s offer to a wide range of groups and individuals
Key Behaviours:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work as a team worker
- Patience, empathy, enthusiasm
- Good organisational skills
- Actively involved in outdoor pursuits/activities
The position comes with the option to be accommodated on site for the season, which provides a considerable benefit in kind. Staff will also have meals provided as part of their working arrangement.
Provisional start date: March 2026 (fixed term for 9 months)
Average of 40 hours per week: Working Monday to Sunday including evening working.
Entry requirements:
- Ideally with existing Functional Skills / GCSE at L2 / 4 in Maths and English
- Some existing related experience or ability to develop within outdoor activity education
Skills required:
- Customer care skills
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Training to be provided:
- Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship
- Functional Skills Maths and English if required
Additional Support: Mentoring, shadowing, supervision and NGBs related to the national standard.
Things to consider: This is an active role so you must be in good physical health. For the right person, upon successful completion of your level 3, there is continuity of employment and a potential opportunity to progress to Level 5.
At a Glance:
- Working week: A rota basis, Monday to Sunday including evening work
- Duration: 12 Months
- Apprenticeship standard: Outdoor activity instructor (Level 3)
Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Level 3 - Skern Lodge in Northam employer: Skerntrainingandskills
Contact Detail:
Skerntrainingandskills Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Level 3 - Skern Lodge in Northam
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Skern Lodge and its values. When you show genuine interest in their mission of delivering outdoor activities and experiential learning, it’ll really stand out during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Outdoor Activity Instructor, you'll need to motivate and engage groups. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence in delivering instructions and safety procedures.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for outdoor activities! Bring examples of your experiences in outdoor pursuits to the table. Whether it's a cool story about a hike or a watersport adventure, let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Level 3 - Skern Lodge in Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for outdoor activities! Share any experiences you've had in this field, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or even just enjoying nature. We want to know what drives your love for the great outdoors!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Outdoor Activity Instructor. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team at Skern Lodge.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skerntrainingandskills
✨Know Your Outdoor Activities
Familiarise yourself with the range of outdoor activities offered at Skern Lodge. Be ready to discuss your personal experiences and how they relate to the role. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice explaining outdoor activities or safety procedures clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a short demonstration to showcase your ability to instruct and motivate others.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Empathy
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or shown empathy towards others. This will highlight your ability to fit into their team-oriented environment and support diverse groups.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing risks during an activity or ensuring inclusion among participants. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can respond thoughtfully and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
