Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship
The Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship is ideal for those who are passionate about the outdoors and eager to help others experience it safely and confidently. Apprentices will gain the practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional behaviours needed to plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality outdoor activity sessions — from climbing and paddlesports to team building and environmental learning.
Delivered nationally by Skern Training & Skills, this programme is guided by an experienced team of outdoor education professionals. Apprentices learn through hands-on experience, expert-led coaching, and real-world practice in inspiring outdoor environments.
Now delivered in 9 months to fit around the pressures of peak season.
During this apprenticeship learners will:
- Prepare, deliver, and review safe, engaging outdoor activity sessions.
- Work with individuals and groups to encourage participation, confidence, and learning.
- Assess risk and manage health and safety throughout sessions.
- Support participants’ development through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.
- Adapt delivery to suit different abilities, ages, and environments.
- Promote environmental awareness and responsible outdoor behaviour.
- Apply leadership, communication, and organisational skills in a professional setting.
Core Knowledge Areas
Health, safety, and legal frameworks
Risk theory and decision-making principles
- Concepts of risk, hazard, and risk tolerance
- Dynamic risk theory in outdoor environments
- Decision-making models used in adventurous activities
Learning theory and outdoor pedagogy
- How people learn through outdoor and experiential activities
- The role of challenge, reflection, and progression
- Educational outcomes of outdoor learning
Leadership theory and group behaviour
- Leadership styles used in outdoor contexts
- Group dynamics, motivation, and engagement
- Communication principles in challenging environments
Inclusion, welfare, and emergency knowledge
- Equality, diversity, and inclusive practice principles
- Participant welfare and wellbeing considerations
- Emergency procedures, incident response, and first aid knowledge
Key Skills
Preparing for sessions
- Plan sessions that meet desired outcomes such as learning, enjoyment, or personal challenge.
- Gather information on participants’ needs, environment, and equipment.
- Adapt plans to respond to environmental or group changes.
Delivering sessions
- Maintain self and group safety during activities.
- Provide engaging briefings, demonstrations, and clear instructions.
- Respond to dynamic environmental conditions and minimise impact.
- Deliver enjoyable, inclusive sessions that encourage participation and progression.
Reviewing and completing sessions
- Use review techniques to check learning outcomes.
- Reflect on feedback and personal performance to improve future delivery.
- Return equipment safely and complete session documentation.
Professional and environmental responsibility
- Promote sustainable outdoor practice and respect for the natural environment.
- Support equality, inclusion, and positive behaviours in all settings.
- Act as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Programme Details
Duration
This apprenticeship will typically take 9 months.
Entry Requirements
- A strong interest in outdoor instructing as a career.
- GCSE Grade 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- Learners must achieve Functional Skills Level 2 before completion.
- Applicants must have, or be seeking, a suitable employer.
Expected Outcomes
On completion, apprentices can:
- Deliver safe, engaging, and inclusive outdoor activity sessions.
- Apply leadership, coaching, and risk management skills effectively.
- Achieve the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Standard.
- Progress to the Level 5 Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship.
- Gain additional value-adding qualifications, such as:
- IQL Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- RLSS Lifeguard or Open Water Lifeguard Qualifications
- RYA Level 1 & 2 Powerboat
- British Canoeing and Mountain Bike Leadership Awards
- IQL Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
Why Choose Skern?
With over 50 years of experience in outdoor education, Skern Training & Skills is a trusted specialist in developing confident, capable professionals for the outdoor sector.
Our training is shaped by real-world practice, deep industry knowledge, and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by outdoor organisations today. We work in close partnership with employers to ensure every programme is relevant, impactful, and aligned to both organisational goals and industry standards.
- Outdoor specialists – over five decades of sector experience
- National delivery – training provided across the UK by experienced outdoor practitioners
- Tailored learning – programmes adapted to your organisation’s values and context
- Flexible delivery – one-to-one coaching, group sessions, and e-learning
- Experiential learning – residential opportunities at our North Devon centres or partner venues
- End-to-end support – guidance from enrolment through to assessment and completion
Get the brochure
For full details of our Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship programme.
Funding
This apprenticeship can be fully funded through your Apprenticeship Levy Account if you are a Levy-paying employer.
If you are a Non-Levy paying employer, the government will fund 95% of the total cost, with the employer contributing the remaining 5%.
However, for apprentices aged 16 to 21, the government will fully fund 100% of the cost, with no employer contribution required.
Additionally, Skern can support you in identifying and applying for Levy Transfer funds, which can cover the full cost for other age groups—making the apprenticeship 100% fully funded for all eligible learners.
Register your interest
Apply now
