Outdoor activity instructor skills sought by multi-activity centres
The main skills of interest to a multi activity centre will vary from company to company, but the main NGB activity instructor qualifications that we see most frequently on the skill requirements section of the job description are as follows: UKCC/BCU Level 1 or Level 2. This is the main paddlesport award from the British Canoe Union. It enables you to instruct beginners and give taster sessions in a range of paddlesport activities. Level 1 is often enough if you are working under the supervision of a more experienced instructor as is often the case at the larger centres. GNAS or the Grand National Archery Society's archery leader award allows you to deliver archery sessions for beginners. The BEL or Basic Expedition Leadership demonstrates you have group management skills, while the SPA Single Pitch Climbing Award is more of a skills course but shows you have the ability to supervise other people on rock. And if you are working at a multi-activity centre near the coast or who offer lake based activites, then the RYA Dinghy Instructor and Powerboat qualifications are also sought after.
The popularity of multi-activity centres in the UK shows how much we embrace the outdoors as a nation. A quick google maps search for activity centres UK plots more little red dots than we can count, with school groups, company away days, family activity holidays and individuals making use of fantastic sporting facilities from the southern tip of England to the northern most reaches of the Scottish Highlands. Every last one of these centres requires anywhere from a handful to a small regiment of multi-activity instructors; qualified to keep clients safe and ensure that they have an exciting and rewarding experience. The opportunities to get involved in outdoor adventure education have never been so good!