Trainee Outdoor Instructor - 12-Month UK Residential

Institute for Outdoor Learning; Forest Row, Wootton, Hillend; On-site; Full time

Job description

Contract type Full time / Seasonal or Fixed term

Closing date 08 Oct 2026 11:55 PM

Location: UK Centres
Salary: Voluntary (Accom, meals, uniform and allowance provided)

UK Trainee Instructor Programme (Residential) at Scout Adventures

• Locations: Broadstone Warren (East Sussex), Fordell Firs (Fife), Gilwell Park (London), Great Tower (Lake District) and Youlbury (Oxfordshire)
• Start dates: September 2026 & January 2027
• Duration: 12 months
• Salary: Accommodation, meals, uniform and weekly allowance provided

Launch your outdoor career with Scout Adventures

Looking to break into the outdoor industry?

Our UK Trainee Instructor Programme is a unique 12-month residential opportunity designed to help aspiring instructors gain the qualifications, practical experience and confidence needed to build a successful career in outdoor adventure.

Working alongside experienced instructors, you’ll develop your skills while delivering adventurous activities to thousands of young people from across the UK.

Whether you’ve recently finished college or university, completed an Outdoor Education course, or are looking for a practical route into the industry, this programme provides an exceptional foundation for your future career.

What you’ll gain

• Nationally recognised outdoor qualifications
• Hundreds of hours of practical instructing experience
• Experience across a wide range of adventurous activities
• Mentoring from experienced outdoor professionals
• Leadership, communication and customer service skills
• Experience working within a busy outdoor education centre
• A CV that stands out to future employers

What’s included

• Residential accommodation
• All meals provided
• Uniform
• Weekly allowance plus reimbursement of direct costs
• Full induction and ongoing training
• Supportive residential team community
• Access to five of the UK’s leading outdoor adventure centres

Qualifications include

Training may include qualifications such as:

• ERCA High Ropes
• Target Sports
• Water Sports
• Mountain Training
• Health & Safety
• Safeguarding
• Customer Service

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be:

• Aged 18 or over when the programme starts
• A UK citizen, or have the right to volunteer in the UK for the duration of the programme
• Passionate about the outdoors and working with young people
• Keen to learn, develop and challenge yourself
• Ideally have experience through Scouts, Girlguiding or another youth organisation (although this isn’t essential)

Choose from five incredible locations across the UK:

• Broadstone Warren – Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
• Gilwell Park – London
• Great Tower – Lake District
• Youlbury – Oxfordshire

Every day is different, from climbing and archery to paddlesports, bushcraft and team challenges. You’ll be part of a close-knit residential community while developing the skills and experience employers across the outdoor sector are looking for.

Ready to start your outdoor career?

Apply today and take the first step towards becoming a qualified outdoor instructor.