Outdoor Activity Mentor | Alternative Provision (AP)

Tradewind Recruitment; Colne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational support organization in Colne seeks Outdoor Activity Mentors to guide students through alternative provision settings. This key role focuses on outdoor activities and mentorship, engaging young people who struggle in traditional education. Ideal candidates should have a background in coaching or outdoor pursuits and be prepared to provide consistent support. The position offers regular hours aligned with school vacations and the chance to make a significant impact in students' lives.

Benefits

Free Team-Teach training

Support for enhanced DBS check

Regular hours with school calendar

Qualifications

• Experience leading or mentoring young people in outdoor settings.
• Big energy and high empathy are essential.
• Must be reliable and consistent.

Responsibilities

• Support practical lessons in horticulture and outdoor education.
• Use presence and calm communication for de-escalation.
• Provide 1:1 mentoring sessions with students.

Skills

Experience coaching young people

Resilience in unpredictable conditions

Ability to adapt

High empathy

Strong problem-solving skills

Job description

Outdoor Activity Mentor - Alternative Provision (AP)

Location: Colne, Nelson, and surrounding Pendle areas

Contract: Full-time / Long-term

Backgrounds: Forest School, Outdoor Pursuits, Sports Coaching, Bushcraft, DofE

The Role: Move Beyond the Four Walls

Are you at your best when you’re active, outdoors, or working with your hands? Do you find that young people connect with you better on a sports field or a trail than in a traditional classroom?

We are looking for Outdoor‑Minded Mentors to work within Alternative Provision (AP) settings across Colne and Pendle. These schools support students who have been excluded from, or struggle with, mainstream education. Traditional teaching hasn’t worked for them; they need a different approach, and that’s where you come in.

Why Your "Outdoor" Skills are Essential Here

You're Resilient: You're used to unpredictable conditions. When a student has a "crisis" moment, you stay calm, just like you would in a difficult outdoor situation.

You're a Natural Mentor: You understand that trust is built through shared activity, not just instruction.

You Value Movement: Many of our students have ADHD or high anxiety; they learn better when they are moving, building, or exploring.

You're a Problem Solver: You can think on your feet and adapt a session instantly if the mood of the group shifts.

What Your Day Will Look Like

Activity‑Led Learning: Supporting practical lessons such as horticulture, outdoor education and PE.

De‑escalation: Using your "presence" and calm communication to help students manage their emotions and stay on track.

1:1 Mentoring: Taking a student out of the classroom for a "walk and talk" session to de‑compress and reset.

Building Life Skills: Helping students develop teamwork, grit, and self‑confidence through practical challenges.

Why Join the AP Sector in Pendle?

You aren't just a supervisor; you are often the most stable and relatable adult in these students' lives.

Forget classes of 30. In AP, you'll work with groups of 4‑6, allowing for real connection.

Regular hours (08:30 - 16:00) with the benefits of a school calendar (13 weeks holiday).

Support vulnerable young people right here in Colne, Nelson, and Barnoldswick.

What We're Looking For

Experience: Leading or coaching young people in any capacity (Outdoor centres, Scouts, Sports clubs, or Youth work).

Personality: Big energy, high empathy, and a thick skin.

Reliability: These students need consistency. We need mentors who will show up for them every day.

Clearance: A willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check (Tradewind can assist with this).

How to Apply

If you're ready to trade the high‑ropes or the pitch for a role where you can truly change a life, get in touch.

To Apply: Send your CV to (url removed) or call our Pendle desk on (phone number removed) for an informal chat (or click apply).

Tradewind Recruitment is a Sunday Times Top 100 employer. We offer free Team‑Teach training to all our long‑term AP staff to help you succeed in the classroom