Description:
Active Outdoor Pursuits - Voluntary Instructor Programme 2009/2010

"MEN (& WOMEN) WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD,
LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS,
CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL.
HONOR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS."
Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922)

There can be many parallels drawn between Active Outdoor Pursuits Voluntary Instructor Programme (VIP) and the job description for Shackleton’s expedition…..although we do get some daylight hours even in the shortest days of a Highland winter. We will challenge your commitment to a career as an outdoor instructor and in doing so accelerate your opportunities for personal development. We promise a year of adventure and lots of laughs to go with the blood, sweat and tears! In the end our aim is to deliver experienced, motivated and knowledgeable instructors to the outdoor industry.

This is not a training course ……. it is not a job but it is an amazing opportunity to give your self a big step forward towards your dream.

This programme is designed to support people with the right attitude by providing opportunities to:
*Learn new skills from working beside highly qualified and experienced instructors.
*Get group experience in a wide variety of activities and settings.
*Access outdoor equipment
*Be based in the Scottish Highlands
*Be supported towards a new career
*Live, work and play with others who share your ambition and drive
*Learn what makes an outdoor centre tick
*Have all training and assessment courses paid by Active Outdoor Pursuits

Successful applicants will be based at Craigower Lodge, Outdoor Centre Newtonmore but with trips and residentials to a variety of locations across the UK. You will be expected to assist in all aspects of service delivery and participate fully in centre life. This includes maintenance of the centre, buses and equipment, cleaning duties, kitchen assistance, booking clients in/out etc. Evening and weekend working are expected. You will have a bed and use of the staff lounge. Meals will be available whilst clients are being catered for. At other times self-catering facilities are available. Candidates will have a minimum of 6 days off per month, 5 weeks break around December /January.

The first 10 weeks of the programme will be mainly focused on orientation, induction, assessment, and baseline training so you can assist on activities and help with centre duties. Week 11 onwards candidates will, in conjunction with their supervisor, develop their own training plan unique to their level of experience and ambition. The aim being to work towards training and assessment in several of the NGB qualifications outlined:
SML, SPA
UKCC Level 1/2
SRA Level 2® Raft Guide
Ski Leader or Snowboard leader
Trail bike or Mountain bike leader PCV driving license

A training allowance of £85.00 per week is paid.

Minimum entry requirements;
Passionate about the outdoors willing to put in 100% commitment to the programme – it is intense – We demand a lot and give a lot!
From the list of NGB’s above applicants should have at least 1 current NGB qualification or formal training in at least 2 NGB’s or considerable and relevant outdoor experience in these areas.
Over 20 years of age (Due to PCV Driving Rules minimum age of 21 to drive.)
Clean current driving license. Have an up to date passport – we have run at lease 1 international trip each year since commencing the programme in 2003.
The traineeship will commence 30th March 2009 - running for 15 months.
Interviews weekend will be 20 -22 Feb 2009.
Interested? More information and application forms can be downloaded on our website on www.activeoutdoorpursuits.com
Closing date for applications is 2nd February 2009
Good Luck - We hope you will be part of the team in 2009.