Instructor Development Programme

The Instructor Development Program

For over 20 years we have supported 100’s of people to grow their careers as outdoor instructors.

The program is specifically designed for people who already have some NGB qualifications or training courses and wish to expand, consolidate or diversify their skills, qualifications and experience. 

We have built a 7 month program that breaks down the barriers to allow people to realise their career ambitions as a rounded outdoor instructor: supported development, amazing venues, diverse groups and locations, like minded buddies to play and train with, experience staff to shadow and be mentored by, hands on experience……It’s a tried and tested approach that delivers thinking, dynamic and experienced instructors to the industry sector.

Successful applicants will predominately be based at Cairngorms Adventure Centre, Newtonmore.  Self-catering accommodation is provided in the shared facilities at the centre. Meals are provided from time to time when clients are being catered for.

The IDP is a 7 month course which starts with an induction, training and shadowing and assisting instructors in all areas of company operations; wide range of adventure activities at world class venues, expeditions across Scotland, as well as with centre duties (catering cleaning, maintenance, admin). This is a 6 month contract before rounding off with 1 month of free accommodation at the centre to allow your personal practice, study and shadowing time as you work to complete any aspects of the prerequisites for the courses/ assessments we will have booked and paid for you to attend in October.

Over this period, we will be working with you to identify your short and long term development needs and spend time to appraise your performance and clarify agreed outcomes as you work towards your long term career ambitions. We will then formulate a training / assessment schedule for the remainder of your time at Active.

Active’s Instructor Development Programme provides a net pay of £860 during the 6 contracted months (after accommodation is offset). During this time, you will continue to work as part of the team providing services in every aspect of the company’s business as well as continuing to grow your knowledge, experience and prepare for / attend formal training as per your PDP.

We cannot emphasise how important it is that you dedicate your time off to working with your colleagues to practice and develop personal skills and gain wider experience to ensure you are fully prepared for all courses in advance. Our location here in the centre of the Highlands of Scotland, in the Cairngorms National Park makes this easy, with a host of local rivers, lochs, mountains, crags, ski centres and the sea! An outdoor paradise!

You have an average of 2 days off per week plus 28 days annual leave (pro rata), which is generally taken at the end of the contact as payment on lieu (any days being owed to you or owed by you is balanced in your final wage).  Evening and weekend working is normal.

When you finish your contract at the end of September you will continue at the centre free of charge to allow you to join assessments or further training courses we have planned for you (in line with your PDP). There may be opportunities for further work with the company during October as well as some time to review and balance out time owed to you or to Active.

At the end of your IDP, we will meet with you to support your next steps in the industry which may include staying on with us for further development and work. Over the years many IDP’s have stayed with Active for further employment as outdoor instructors by applying for other vacancies in the company.

PLEASE NOTE, OUR STAFF TEAM FOR 2024 IS NOW FULL AND WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE APPLICATIONS.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR 2025 CAN BE SUBMIMTTED FROM THE 01/12/24, THE CLOSING DATE WILL BE SATURDAY 08/02/25

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Active Outdoor Pursuits is an outdoor adventure company who provide training, courses and events across Scotland, in Spain and USA. We are based at the Cairngorms Adventure Centre, in the Cairngorms National Park Scotland as well as in the Great Glen and Ayrshire.

Our clients include, and are not limited to; Tourists, schools (primary & secondary) from multi activity weeks to the full Duke of Edinburgh programme, youth groups & community organisations, adventure activity days and multi day trips, Scotland-wide expeditions, business & corporate groups, Instructor Training Courses and Personal & Team Development Courses.

At Active we believe in giving all our clients real and authentic outdoor adventures, that the full value and benefits can only be gained, experienced and appreciated by participation in genuine outdoor environments, wild and remote places.

The activity must be delivered by people who are truly passionate about the outdoors, their career and always strive to give every client the best possible experience.

What do we expect from you?

We ask for you to work diligently for the company in all aspects of our operations, to look after our clients whether that be on activities or at the centre. This includes supporting or providing activities, maintaining our centre, buses and equipment, driving, cleaning duties, catering & kitchen assistance, bookings & office support.

We expect you turn up to work ready, energised and willing to always deliver your best whatever duties are allocated to you that day.

You must remain open to feedback, willing to learn and embrace our “Active buddying” system; use your time off to train, mentor, practise, study and support from and with your colleagues.

• PVG scheme contribution (circa £50).
• NGB admin, certification fees.