At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning sessions, supporting personal and social development through engaging activities.
- Company: Join Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development, a leader in alternative learning experiences in stunning outdoor settings.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive team, lifestyle discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while working in beautiful locations and fostering personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in outdoor learning, relevant qualifications, and a passion for supporting diverse learners are essential.
- Other info: This role offers bank hours, allowing you to work flexibly around your schedule.
This is a fantastic role for an experienced Outdoor Learning Instructor with an interest in working with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development's alternative learning provision. Joining the team in a bank capacity, there will be opportunity to work ad-hoc sessions/days around our centres and outreach within the local area.
Our centres are:
- High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ
- Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH
Rewards and Benefits:
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing support
- Working with a friendly and dynamic team
- Working with a range of customers and projects
- Working in the outdoors, in beautiful locations
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role:
At Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) we offer our visitors carefully facilitated bespoke programmes in the outdoors, creating positive learning outcomes and experiences. We strive for high quality in everything we do, including health and safety matters, our customer experience, our facilities, our range of services and our staff.
As an experienced Outdoor Learning Instructor, you will be working with a range of groups and individuals, primarily on our alternative learning programmes. These are outcome based learning programmes to support our customers in areas of personal and social development, academic curriculum and employability skills, using the outdoors as a tool for learning. Using reviewing and reflection tools to ensure our customers benefit positively from participating in outdoor learning.
Shortlisting Criteria:
To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:
- A wide range of outdoor learning delivery experience, 'in house' sign offs / centre experience and relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications
- Experience in delivering a range of programmes in different settings
- Experience of supporting customers in an alternative learning provision or similar setting
- Outcome led programme delivery with experience of working with additional needs, SEN and children / young people at risk of exclusion from school
As part of your application you will be asked to submit a CV and answer the following questions:
- Please tell us what motivated you to apply for this role.
- Please tell us about your past experience of working with groups in the outdoors.
- What do you think are the benefits of delivering alternative learning programmes in an outdoor learning environment?
- Please give an example of an alternative learning programme you have delivered. What were the challenges and successes?
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Contact Us:
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Simon Kibble by e-mail at simon.kibble@surreycc.gov.uk.
Applications will be reviewed regularly and invited to interview at a mutually convenient time, where suitable. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Our Values:
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.
Our Commitment:
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Outdoor Learning Instructor employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Learning Instructor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to high-quality outdoor learning and the specific needs of their clientele will help you align your experience and passion with what they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SOLD. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisation, and may even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with alternative learning programmes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to support diverse groups, especially those with additional needs, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for outdoor education during any informal discussions or interviews. Your passion for working outdoors and facilitating learning experiences can set you apart from other candidates, so let it shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Learning Instructor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your outdoor learning delivery experience and relevant qualifications. Emphasise any 'in house' sign offs or centre experience that aligns with the role.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide detailed examples from your past experiences. Focus on your motivation for applying, your experience working with groups outdoors, and the benefits of alternative learning programmes.
Showcase Your Programme Delivery Skills: In your application, include specific examples of alternative learning programmes you have delivered. Discuss both the challenges you faced and the successes you achieved to demonstrate your capability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and answers to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for outdoor learning during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for nature and how it has influenced your teaching style.
✨Prepare Specific Examples
Be ready to discuss specific programmes you have delivered in the past. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as the positive outcomes achieved for your participants.
✨Understand the Role's Values
Familiarise yourself with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development's values. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality outdoor learning experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand more about the team dynamics and the types of programmes you might be involved in.