Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor

Southdevon; Paignton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor adventure provider in Paignton seeks an enthusiastic Apprentice to deliver exciting outdoor activities and gain hands-on training as an Outdoor Activity Instructor. This apprenticeship includes varied duties from assisting activity sessions to maintaining equipment and promoting outdoor engagement. Starting pay is £8.00 per hour, increasing to the national minimum wage after 12 months. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about outdoor education and gaining valuable experience in a fun and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in outdoor activities to be considered for this apprentice role.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and strong customer care skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist on adventurous activity sessions for various client groups.
• Ensure the maintenance of equipment and premises to a high standard.
• Promote positive outdoor engagement and youth development.

Skills

Customer care skills

Initiative

Education

Outdoor Activity Instructor (Level 3)

Job description

Application closes on Monday, 16 February 2026.

As an apprentice, you’ll complete training before the peak season, then assist Reach Outdoors in delivering outdoor adventures year-round. This is mainly a hands‑on delivery role, with some operational tasks and occasional overnight duties, while continuing your training.

£8.00 per hour for the first 12 months, increasing to the national minimum wage after 12 months in post.

Training: Outdoor Activity Instructor (Level 3).

Hours: Core hours are 08:30 – 17:00, including some (not all) weekends. Rotas are set two weeks in advance to share weekend work fairly. Minimum 30 hours per week (including a 30‑minute lunch), rising to 37.5 hours during the peak season. One day per week is allocated for training or college.

Duration: 1 year.

Start date: Monday 9 March 2026.

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by gaining hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Main Responsibilities:

• Assisting on adventurous activity sessions for a range of clients including Scouts, Schools, Adult groups, Families and Youth groups
• Assist in the delivery of Reach Outdoors activity clubs
• Assist in the delivery of adventure residentials
• Ensure Reach Outdoors equipment is maintained to a high standard and is fit for purpose at all times
• Maintain Reach Outdoors premises and vehicles to a high standard

General Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safe delivery of adventurous activities in line with Reach Outdoors standard operating procedures at all times
• Promote Reach Outdoors in a positive light and be an advocate for positive outdoor engagement to encourage and support youth development in the outdoors
• Be involved in the monitoring and recording of soft and hard outcomes as required by the Reach Outdoors Directors
• Drive company vehicles to delivery locations if suitably qualified

Where you’ll work

SEASHORE CENTRE
TANNERS ROAD
PAIGNTON
DEVON
TQ4 6LP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Find information on the activity type and timings; outcome requirements; participant age; medical information; equipment and resourcing allocation; venue; weather conditions
• Prepare sessions to achieve the required outcomes ( enjoyment, thrill seeking, personal or team challenges, acquisition of new knowledge or skills )
• Select methods to meet all participant needs ( visual impairment, mental and physical ability )
• Select methods to respond to potential changes in the environment ( wind increasing in a sailing session or rain making conditions slippery underfoot )
• Collect appropriate equipment and resources
• Ensure the venue is set‑up and ready to be used
• Maintain self and group safety when delivering the session
• Deliver an effective session briefing with clear instruction and following organisational procedures
• Perform a competent demonstration of the skills required for the activity or subject at the appropriate level for the session
• Provide on‑going instruction to encourage learning and progression
• Follow organisational operating procedures to adapt to changes in the environment ( e.g. thunderstorm, a wind shift to offshore in a surfing session )
• Select and implement organisational procedures to deal with routine problems ( e.g. broken equipment )
• Provide basic First Aid to respond to accidents in a safe, prompt and effective manner ( e.g. injured participant )
• Initiate organisational procedures to summon support in the case of incidents or accidents
• Use the organisation’s set approaches for learning delivery
• Support individual and group engagement and participation in the session ( energisers, sharing responsibilities, appropriate pace )
• Change the pace of the session to match participants’ speed of learning
• Identify and support the individual participants’ needs ( give personal attention, active listening, allow additional time, encouragement )
• Apply simple techniques to deal with conflict and challenging behaviour ( redirection, increasing responsibility )
• Use simple review techniques to check the achievement of required outcomes ( e.g. thumbs up; rounds; memorable moments )
• Signpost participants to progression routes
• Complete a session within time, including the restoration of the venue, return of equipment and resources and any logging or recording requirements
• Use participant feedback and own reflection to suggest improvements to sessions
• Communicate with customers and colleagues in a clear, concise and effective manner
• Handle information in a way that conforms to policy and protects data
• Assist with the development and preparation of resources and support colleagues delivering sessions
• Actively encourage whole group participation and promote equality and diversity
• Undertake activities to further develop knowledge and personal skills
• Reflect on own performance and make refinements

Delivered in partnership with South Devon College – Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Level 3.

This is an exciting apprenticeship opportunity for an individual to focus on developing their outdoor learning session delivery.

As an apprentice you will aim to meet the session outcomes by supporting participants to gain new skills and knowledge, take on personal and team challenges, and have fun trying new activities.

You will close the session by handing over participants, returning resources and equipment, and logging any issues. You will exercise autonomy and judgement to complete tasks and call for backup support for any incidents that might occur.

You will actively respect the environment and show a positive attitude to promoting the natural world and the unique geological link to the English Riviera UNESCO Geopark. This programme in partnership with the European GeoParks is endorsed by Nikolaos Zouros, Chair of the Global Geopark Network Association.

More training information

• Paddle UK Sea Kayak Award
• Paddle UK SUP sheltered Water Award
• Mountain Training UK Climbing Walls Instructor award
• National Coast‑eering Charter Guide Training
• Safeguarding

In addition to the NGB awards you will also complete a large number of activity leadership training including:

• Team Building
• Raft Building
• Bushcraft
• Archery
• Gorge Scrambling

You will also work towards the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship qualification. Paid, off‑the‑job training is no less than 20 % of your employment.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Customer care skills
• Initiative

Other requirements

You should have a genuine interest in this subject to be considered for this apprentice role.

About this employer

Reach Outdoors is looking for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our team of highly professional, fun and dedicated Outdoor Instructors. Based in beautiful South Devon you will spend most of your summer taking people on journeys of discovery to the hidden gems of this corner of the UK. This is a great opportunity to work for an award‑winning company.

Grow your skills with hands‑on experience and open the door to a potential full‑time role.

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010934.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Monday 16 February 2026).

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company’s website.