Sometimes all it takes is one experience to completely change the direction of your career.
For Josh, that moment came during a guided snowshoeing trip. Having always loved spending time outdoors, he realised that helping others experience adventure could be more than a hobby, it could be a career.
Now, after joining Active Outdoor Pursuits’ Instructor Training Course, he’s developing the skills, qualifications and experience needed to build a future in the outdoor industry.
Taking the Leap into the Outdoors
Before joining the course, Josh worked in hospitality. While he enjoyed working with people, he knew he wanted a career that combined his passion for the outdoors with meaningful work.
“I’ve always loved the outdoors and after an experience doing a guided snowshoeing hike I realised it would be a fun job for me.”
When he discovered Active’s Instructor Training Course, the combination of diverse activities and industry-recognised qualifications immediately caught his attention.
“It seemed like a cool thing to do with a diverse set of activities and quals.”
The course offered an opportunity to turn a passion into a profession while gaining practical experience across a wide range of outdoor disciplines.
Why Active Outdoor Pursuits?
Josh’s journey with Active started with a conversation.
After discovering the Instructor Training Course, he spoke with Gethin Richards (also a previous course participant) and quickly felt confident that Active Outdoor Pursuits was the right fit.
“The ITC was the first course I found and after talking with Gethin I decided it would be the best choice for me.”
For many trainees, it’s the combination of expert instruction, varied activities and clear progression opportunities that makes the course stand out. For Josh, the decision felt straightforward from the outset.
Unforgettable Course Moments
Ask Josh about the highlight of the course and you’ll get more than one answer.
One memorable moment involved fellow trainee Rachel making an entertaining return to a raft.
“Watching Rachel do her stranded fish impression to get back on a raft.”
Alongside the laughs, the adventures themselves have left a lasting impression.
“Or maybe our Knoydart expedition.”
The combination of challenging expeditions, shared experiences and plenty of humour is something that makes the course experience unique.
Learning New Skills and Overcoming Challenges
Developing instructor-level skills takes commitment, and Josh found certain areas more challenging than others.
For him, progressing in canoeing required determination and practice.
“Getting good in a canoe…”
Equally demanding was learning technical climbing systems and rope work.
“Maybe climbing rope work and setups.”
These challenges have become valuable learning opportunities, helping Josh build the confidence and competence required for a career in the outdoor industry.
Favourite Activities
Choosing a single favourite activity hasn’t been easy.
Josh has particularly enjoyed hiking, rafting and the many nights spent camping throughout the programme.
Whether travelling through remote landscapes, developing paddlesport skills or sharing stories around camp, the variety of experiences has been a major part of the appeal.
Looking Ahead
Josh’s goals are already firmly focused on the next steps in his development.
He plans to continue building the experience needed for future assessments and instructor qualifications.
“Lock in on getting the climbs and QMDs I need for the RCI and ML assessments.”
Like many trainees, he hopes his journey with Active doesn’t end when the course finishes.
The Instructor Training Course has provided the foundation, and Josh is already looking ahead to where it could take him next.
Josh’s Advice for Future Instructor Trainees
If you’re considering joining a future course, Josh has some practical advice based on his own experience.
“Use your days off wisely for getting QMDs (Quality Mountain Days) early and make sure you get good amounts of rest and sleep.”
Making the most of opportunities outside the scheduled programme can help accelerate development, but balancing that with recovery is just as important.
The course can be demanding, so looking after yourself and staying organised will help you get the most from the experience.
In One Sentence…
When asked to describe the Instructor Training Course, Josh summed it up perfectly:
“Only the beginning of a life-changing journey.”
For anyone considering a career in the outdoor industry, Josh’s experience shows that you don’t need years of experience to get started. With enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to learn, the Instructor Training Course can be the first step towards an exciting future in the outdoors.
Start you instructor journey today. Find out more.
