When Freddie joined Active Outdoor Pursuits’ Instructor Training Course, he was looking for more than new qualifications. He was searching for a completely different way of life.
After building a successful career with NHS Orkney, Freddie reached a point where office life no longer matched the future he wanted. Today, he’s developing outdoor leadership skills, exploring some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, and planning a long-term future in the outdoor industry.
Trading the Office for the Outdoors
Before starting the course, Freddie worked as an Executive Assistant for the Director of Public Health and Director of Finance at NHS Orkney.
“I’d reached a point where I wanted to spend more of my life outside, being active and doing the things I genuinely enjoy.”
Like many people considering a career change, Freddie wanted work that felt more meaningful and aligned with his interests.
“Rather than stressing over Word documents, spreadsheets and meetings, I wanted a career where I could be outside, learning new skills, challenging myself and hopefully eventually helping other people enjoy the outdoors too.”
The Instructor Training Course offered exactly that opportunity.
Why Active Outdoor Pursuits?
For Freddie, location played a big role in his decision.
As an Orcadian, Scotland has always been home, but he saw the course as an opportunity to explore parts of the country he had never experienced before.
“Being based in Scotland was a massive part of it. Scotland is home, but coming from Orkney I hadn’t actually explored nearly as much of the rest of the country as I wanted to.”
The variety of activities also stood out.
While many instructor training courses focus heavily on coastal environments, Active’s programme provides extensive experience across rivers, lochs, mountains and climbing venues throughout the Highlands.
“Some other courses seemed quite heavily focused on the sea, whereas Active offered loads of opportunities on rivers and freshwater lochs. Coming from an island surrounded by the sea, I quite liked the idea of escaping it for a few months!”
A Supportive Community
Ask Freddie about the highlight of the course so far and his answer isn’t a specific activity or qualification.
It’s the people.
“Being surrounded by like-minded people who are interested in the same things and genuinely encourage each other to push themselves has been brilliant.”
The group dynamic has helped create an environment where everyone supports each other’s development, celebrates successes and tackles challenges together.
“We’ve done some incredible things and been to some amazing places, but having a group where everyone supports each other, gets stuck in and can have a really good laugh while doing it has probably been the biggest highlight.”
Overcoming Challenges
Outdoor careers require resilience, and Freddie got an early lesson in that when he suffered an ankle injury during the course.
Rather than allowing it to derail his progress, he adapted and continued developing his skills.
“I’ve learned how to adapt, work around it and keep progressing without letting it completely stop me.”
This flexibility and determination are qualities that every instructor needs, and Freddie’s experience demonstrates the supportive approach taken throughout the programme.
“We’ve found ways of making things work, and I’ve still managed to get involved and complete what I needed to.”
Exploring Scotland Through Adventure
Choosing a favourite activity proved almost impossible.
As someone who already enjoyed paddle sports, Freddie has loved developing his skills on the water. Unexpectedly, climbing has become another passion, while rafting turned out to be one of the biggest surprises.
“Rafting has probably been the biggest surprise. I didn’t expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I have, but it’s been absolutely class.”
What has truly stood out, however, are the multi-day expeditions that form part of the course.
From the Great Glen Way and the River Spey to Knoydart, Loch Mallardoch and the Summer Isles, these adventures have provided opportunities to travel through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes while putting newly acquired skills into practice.
“Getting properly immersed in these places for several days at a time, travelling through them and putting everything we’ve learned into practice has definitely been one of my favourite parts of the whole course.”
Looking Ahead
Although Freddie will return to Orkney for work over the winter, his ambitions in the outdoor industry are only just beginning.
“I’d love to come back and do the IDP with Active, continue developing my skills and work towards qualifications like my Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor.”
The course has given him both direction and confidence for the future.
“This course has definitely made me want to see how far I can take it.”
Freddie’s Advice for Future Instructor Trainees
For anyone considering a place on a future Instructor Training Course, Freddie’s message is simple: if you’re dreaming about a different future, don’t ignore it.
“If you feel a bit stuck and know that you want something different from life, give it some serious thought.”
You don’t need years of experience or a long list of qualifications. What matters most is enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to learn.
“You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. That’s the whole point of coming here. Be willing to learn, throw yourself into it and make your life a bit more interesting.”
In Three Words…
When asked to sum up the Instructor Training Course in just a few words, Freddie didn’t hesitate:
Exciting. Challenging. Invigorating.
If you’re passionate about the outdoors and ready to turn that passion into a career, Active Outdoor Pursuits’ Instructor Training Course could be the first step in your own adventure.
Start you instructor journey today. Find out more.