JCA 2026 Apprentice Activity Instructor

JCA Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship 2026

Are you ready to start your next adventure and climb your way to the top?  Our Apprenticeship course will take you on a journey like no other!

We have positions available on our 2026 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship programme.  This is a residential position based at Condover Hall in Shropshire, one of our UK Children’s Activity Centres.

About JCA & Condover Hall

At JCA, we believe in the power of adventure to inspire, challenge, and empower young people. Each year, thousands of guests join us at Condover Hall, a vibrant and welcoming activity centre with the capacity to host large residential groups in a stunning historic setting.

From school residentials to family adventure breaks, we provide safe, exciting, and unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

What is an Outdoor Activity Apprenticeship?

If a 9-5 office job and sitting behind a desk all day is just not your thing, this apprenticeship could be just the thing you’re looking for! As experts in the outdoor activity industry, JCA will give you the tools to climb your way to the top and achieve industry recognised qualifications – a fantastic way to build your CV and progress within the outdoor industry. The apprenticeship will focus on the practical elements of the instructor role and support with any theory-based learning.

Our Activity Instructors are the superstars of JCA, you’ll make sure our guests are safe and having a great experience during their adventure holiday!

What will I be doing?

Over the course of 10 months, we’ll provide you with all the training & skills you need to become a champion Activity Instructor.

With JCA, no two days will look the same – we have over 40 activities & you will be trained in delivering all of these.  Once trained, you will lead your groups on these exciting activities and watch their confidence grow as they enjoy the adventure holiday of a lifetime!

You’ll be the leader of the pack for activities such as fencing and archery in the sunshine, final shoot out in laser quest and helping guests overcome their fears on the high ropes courses.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will achieve an industry recognised level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership.  And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have the chance to gain further external qualifications including:

• Fencing Leader
• FSRT & Paddle Sports instructor
• GB Orienteering
• GB Archery
• First Aid
• NPLQ

We offer our apprentices the chance to live on site, so no boring commute to work! You’ll live and breathe what it means to be an Activity Instructor. You’ll make friends for life and tonnes of unforgettable memories.

Why JCA?

At JCA, we have over 25 years’ experience in providing fun and educational adventures for school and youth groups. We’re big enough to challenge, small enough to care – You’ll never be just another number. We pride ourselves on having a close working relationship with all of our Apprentices – So if you’ve got your eye on progressing, we’ll support and help you get there.

Benefits include:

• Achieve your level 3 qualification in Outdoor Activity Leadership alongside external qualifications e.g. NGBs
• Partnership with Shrewsbury College – including access to all learning facilities and the all-important student discount!
• Support with passing Functional Skills qualifications if required
• On-site shared accommodation provided at a monthly deduction
• All of your meals are included – even on your days off!
• Employee discounts - Being part of Experience Education you will have access to the Benefits Hub, our discount app, which can save you money on every day spend such as your supermarket shop, high street purchases or even holidays within the group
• Access to our independent Employee Assistance Programme for a range of support
• Staff events
• Use of the facilities – bring your friends & family along to show off your new skills!
• Incentive programmes
• Further opportunities with JCA and other Experience Education brands

The details:

• January 2nd 2026 start date
• 10-month hands on & practical Apprenticeship programme
• National Apprenticeship Wage
• Full time position working 40 hours per week – this will include working some evenings & weekends
• Residential position based in Condover, Shrewsbury
• Full 5 to 6 weeks training on-site including: the full range of our activities, health and safety, first aid, safeguarding & more
• This role involves working with children and we follow safer recruiting practices.  We will obtain references and an Enhanced DBS check (we cover the cost and organise it for you).  You will be required to provide referee details and a selection of ID documents such as Passport, Driving Licence, Full Birth Certificate, Bank Statement & P45/P60
• As part of the screening process you will be required to attend one of our on-site recruitment events
• You must be 18 or over by the start date

What are we looking for in a candidate?

We provide full training so you don’t need to have any prior experience or to hold any existing qualifications, however a sense of adventure is essential. The right candidate will have lots of enthusiasm along with a passion for the outdoors and be keen to work with children. You must also be comfortable in being trained on all of our outdoor activities, some of which involve heights and dancing!

What happens during the recruitment process?

Once you’ve made your application, you will be contacted by one of our friendly recruitment team for a chat, then if eligible invited to attend one of our recruitment events at Condover Hall, Shrewsbury.

During the event you’ll get to meet your potential new colleagues, explore what could be your new home/workplace and most of all, have fun! There will be the chance to try out some of our activities and really get the feel for what life is like here. Accommodation and meals will be covered by us for the whole event too!

*Our Recruitment Team is based at our Head Office in Brighton so we will call you from a Brighton number (01273)*