Passionate about the outdoors & adventure?
Turn your passion into a career as a professional outdoor instructor.
80 DAYS OF ADVENTURE: ONE LIFE-CHANGING CAREER
Learn the skills. Earn the qualifications. Start your career.
- 80 days
- Up to 30 qualifications
- 15+ adventure activities
- Train in the Scottish Highlands
- Immerse yourself in professional outdoor instructor training in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Gain industry-recognised qualifications, real-world experience and the skills to turn your passion for adventure into a career.
Choose your starting point:
Summer ITC
16 weeks | 80 training days
Summer 2027 – 6th July 2027 to 24th October 2027
Winter ITC
20 weeks | 80 training days
Winter 2026/27 – 27th October 2026 to 28th March 2027
Winter 2027/28 – 26th October 2027 to 27th March 2028
The winter programme includes holiday periods to allow you to consolidate your skills and recharge between training blocks.
Course dates & fees
Core Course Fee
£9,495
Self-catered accommodation is included (see below)
Ready to chat?
Call us on 01540 210000 or
I loved being able to develop my skills in a wide range of activities alongside other enthusiastic and like-minded people. The ITC is a challenging, fun and rewarding course and a great way to develop your skills and kickstart a career in the outdoors or progress your career further.”
What Will I Gain?
- Summer Mountain Leader Training.
- Summer Mountain Leader Assessment (Prerequisite required).
- Rock Climbing Instructor Training.
- Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment (Prerequisite required).
- National Navigation Award (NNAS).
- DofE Expedition Assessor and Supervisor.
- PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor Qualification Course (Additional module).
- PSIA Performance Awards Levels 1–9 (Additional module).
- Winter Skills Training (winter course students).
- Intro to Ski Touring Day (for ski instructor candidates only).
- Paddle UK White Water Raft Guide Award.
- Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor Award (SUP).
- Paddle UK Paddlesport Touring Leader Award (Canoe).
- Paddle UK Multi Day Touring Award (Kayak).
- Paddle UK Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSRC).
- Paddle UK White Water Safety & Rescue Training Course (WWSRT).
- Paddle UK Start, Discover & Explore Awards in Canoe, Kayak & SUP.
- Canyoning Training.
- Gorge Scrambling Training.
- Outdoor First Aid Certification.
- Being a Professional Instructor Workshop.
- Risk Assessment in the Outdoors Workshop.
- Expedition Training on Water & Land.
- Mountain Scrambling Training (summer course students).
- Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport Safeguarding Course.
What's Included?
- Expert coaching / instruction 5 days per week.
- On course transport to venues.
- Pro deals on outdoor clothing and equipment.
- An enhanced opportunity to be part of Instructor Development Programme.
- Fees for formal NGB training and assessment courses.
- Use of most centre equipment in personal time.
- Personal mentoring, offering advice and support in your general development and career prospects as an outdoor instructor.
- Opportunities on days off to shadow our instructors on activities and expeditions.
- 2 weeks rock climbing in Spain (winter course).
- Opportunities to take part on activity sessions from the moment you book your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my career prospects after the Outdoor Instructor Training Course?
The Outdoor Adventure Industry is firmly established and is a growing industry sector in the UK and throughout the world. Following the successful completion of the outdoor instructor training course, there is a multitude of exciting career options open to you. Markedly, the chance to continue with Active as an Instructor as part of our Instructor Development Programme (more information).
Can I visit the Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre?
Certainly! We recommend all who are interested in applying for one of our Outdoor Instructor Training Courses to come and visit us in Scotland. While here, we will arrange for you to meet the Course Director or Manager. There will also be an opportunity to chat to our instructors who have all completed one of our Training Courses. Coupled with a visit, we recommend that you join one of our activities (FOC) to see how wonderful it is to live the Active lifestyle!
Do I need to have my own equipment to train to be an outodoor instructor?
Of course, you should have some of your own equipment at the start of the course and we can advise you on what is appropriate. While on the course, you will be able to borrow kit from us for the duration of your Outdoor Instructor Training Course. However, we advise students to have good quality outdoor gear that is appropriate for professional use. As well as to consider that when you start work you will need to be suitably equipped. In addition, Active have close links with some of the top outdoor equipment brands, with pro equipment deals available to students.
After finishing your course, do you offer a job to your graduates and help them to find one?
We offer instructor jobs on our Outdoor Instructor Development Programme (IDP) to candidates who successfully complete our Outdoor Instructor Training Course. In summary, this is a 6-month programme, during this programme would be working for Active Outdoor Pursuits as an assistant instructor or instructor, depending on your qualifications and experience.
While on the IDP Scheme, you will gain experience in all aspects of an outdoor centre. As well as working with groups and leading your own sessions, you will be expected to assist staff with Centre duties. In any case, you can find out more information by clicking on this link. Of course, not everyone chooses this pathway, some have other goals beyond their Outdoor Instructor Training Course. Regardless, we support all candidates to ensure they achieve their short and long term goals.
Are Active Outdoor Pursuits insured?
Active Outdoor Pursuits are insured with Activities Industry Mutual AIM – The largest and most well know activities insurance company in Great Britain. Students are also required to take out their own personal insurance policy to cover Risks like illness or injury, losses, damages etc..
What Makes Active Different?
Train for the career. Live the adventure.
Choosing where to train is a big decision. You want more than a collection of qualifications – you want the skills, experience, confidence and career opportunities to become a professional outdoor instructor.
That’s what makes Active different.
Based in the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, you’ll train in one of the UK’s most challenging and inspiring outdoor environments. From mountains and rivers to lochs, forests and crags, the Highlands become your classroom.
Over the course of your training, you’ll experience up to 15 adventurous activities and gain up to 30 qualifications, building an exceptionally broad skill set and giving you the flexibility to pursue a career across a wide range of outdoor activities.
But qualifications are only part of the story.
We focus on preparing you for life as a professional outdoor instructor. You’ll develop practical skills, technical knowledge, decision-making, leadership and the confidence to work with real groups in real outdoor environments.
More skills. More qualifications. More opportunities.
When comparing outdoor instructor training courses, don’t just look at how many certificates you’ll receive. Look at where those qualifications can take you.
Our aim is simple: to give you the strongest possible foundation for a rewarding career in the outdoors.
Train hard. Get qualified. Gain experience. Build your career outdoors.
