Everything You Need to Start Your Outdoor Instructor Journey
When you enrol on the Active Outdoor Pursuits Instructor Training Course, you’re not simply booking a training programme. You’re investing in a complete development package designed to help you gain qualifications, build experience, develop professionally and prepare for a career in the outdoor industry.
Your Course Includes
Accommodation
- Self-catered accommodation at Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre
- A base in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park
- Access to a community of trainees, instructors and outdoor professionals
- The opportunity to live and train in one of the UK’s premier outdoor destinations
Professional Training & Instruction
- 16-week or 20-week full-time training programme
- Five days of structured training each week
- Expert coaching from experienced outdoor instructors
- Progressive skill development across multiple outdoor disciplines
- Workshops, practical sessions and technical training
- Leadership and group management development
National Governing Body Qualifications
Your course fee includes registration, training and assessment fees for a wide range of recognised outdoor industry awards and qualifications.Depending on the course pathway selected, trainees can work towards up to 30 qualifications and training awards across areas including:- Mountain Leadership
- Rock Climbing
- Navigation
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Safety & Rescue
- Outdoor First Aid
- DofE Expedition Leadership
- Group Leadership
- Winter Skills
- Snowsports Development
Real Industry Experience
- Opportunities to shadow experienced instructors
- Opportunities to assist with real activity sessions
- Experience working with visiting groups
- Exposure to the day-to-day operation of an outdoor centre
- Insight into how professional instructors work in the industry
Personal Mentoring & Career Support
- Individual guidance throughout the programme
- Career advice from experienced outdoor professionals
- Support identifying future training pathways
- Help understanding employment opportunities within the outdoor sector
- Access to professional networks and industry contacts
Access to Outdoor Equipment
- Use of most centre equipment during personal training time
- Opportunities to continue developing your skills outside scheduled sessions
- Access to specialist equipment across a range of activities
Transport During Training
- Transport to and from training venues as part of the course programme
- Access to some of Scotland’s best mountain, river, climbing and paddlesport environments
Pro Deals & Equipment Discounts
As an Active Outdoor Pursuits trainee you’ll gain access to outdoor industry Pro Deals, providing discounts on equipment and clothing from leading outdoor brands.This can save trainees hundreds of pounds when purchasing personal kit. Our Detailed Equipment PDF clearly describes everything that you will need at the start of your course.Additional Training Opportunities
Before your course even starts, you’ll have opportunities to:- Join selected activity sessions (subject to availability)
- Meet instructors and current trainees
- Familiarise yourself with the centre
- Begin developing your outdoor skills
More Than Qualifications
Alongside the formal awards and certificates, you’ll also develop:
- Technical Outdoor Skills
- Coaching and instructional techniques
- Leadership and decision-making
- Risk assessment and safety management
- Navigation and expedition skills
- Rescue and emergency procedures
- Confidence working with groups
- Professional instructor behaviours
- Communication and people skills
- Experience in real outdoor environments
These are the skills employers look for when recruiting instructors, coaches and outdoor leaders.
Plus the Benefits of Training in the Scottish Highlands
When you join the programme, the Cairngorms become your classroom.
You’ll train and explore in:
- Mountain environments
- Rock climbing venues
- Rivers and white-water
Not Included in The Outdoor Instructor Training Course
- Personal membership, registration and per person fees for National Governing Bodies. For more information click here.
- Flights, transfers & tolls on international trips.
- Insurance (personal & travel).
- Snowsports lift passes.
- Meals.
- Admission fees (like climbing walls), tolls and passes,
For Winter ITC students, we ask that you book hold luggage when you are booking your Spain flights, so that transporting the climbing equipment you will be using can be shared across the entire group.
For students who have signed up to one of the ski modules, you will need a ski bag. You may use your own skis, boots, poles and helmet, or you can borrow ski kit from us, but it is your responsibility to book the appropriate sports equipment hold luggage for the international flights.
During the outdoor instructor training course in Scotland, most students choose to self-cater. Generally forming groups to share the duties, this allows for a low & cost effective food budget! As such, all the accommodation we use on the course has self-catering facilities. But, Some people opt to eat out and we have lots of options to fit a variety of budgets in all the locations we are based. In addition, we often make social events of eating out during the Course with students and instructors trying out local cuisine!