Outdoor sports work

There are literally hundreds of jobs in sports and the outdoors, varying hugely in the qualifications and skills required, and location. There are over a thousand outdoor centres in the UK, and great many more abroad. From the surf breaks of South West France, to the superb diving off the Great Barrier Reef, there are opportunities to instruct, learn and support but the options can be overwhelming.

Specialist tour companies (many of those named above in the watersports category) also employ a range of dry outdoor pursuits instructors, trainees and guides. Any competent climber, mountaineer or mountain bike rider should have no trouble in getting some kind of job in this field. However, due to the increase in litigation and tighter health and safety rules many companies insist on the very highest level of qualification to work with their groups as an instructor. The good news about this though is that many companies will pay for competent staff to bring their qualifications up to scratch.

Canvas Holidays Wild & Active Couriers are responsible for organising and supervising a regular programme of off and on-site events for adults, teenagers and children alike. Activities will vary on a weekly basis in order to appeal to different age groups and interests. Applicants will need to have a relevant qualification in Countryside Management or a similar field, and have had experience of leading guided wildlife walks and working with children of all ages (4 to 17 years).

For over 100,000 children every year, a PGL holiday means the adventure of a lifetime and 2,500 vibrant energetic people are need to help make this happen. PGL employ many kinds of outdoor instructors including climbing and walking instructors. PGL are very well established and have centres all over Europe.

Acorn employs 300 staff, mainly for watersports but they are also on the lookout for MLTB (Mountain Leader Training Board) Summer holders. Acorn are also very well set up and highly respected in the industry.