The content of this pathway has been agreed by SkillsActive. This is the only apprenticeship pathway in the Travel, Tourism and Leisure sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway Outdoor Programmes is 69 credits
Entry requirements
The outdoors adventure sector is a richly diverse one which covers a range of sub-sectors in the overarching outdoor adventure sector.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 3: Outdoor Programmes
Level 3: Outdoor Programmes Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Outdoor Programmes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| 1st4sport | C00/0364/2 600/1770/3 | 39 | 390 | Competence | English-Welsh |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/3942/6 603/4921/9 | 147 | 1470 | Knowledge | English-Welsh |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Outdoor Programmes | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Outdoor Programmes | 200 | 252 |
Competence qualification - 39credits & Knowledge qualification - 147 credits
The total number of training hours for this Pathway is 452 hours
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Other additional requirements
None
Job roles
Outdoor Instructor
Prepare, lead, conclude and review individual sessions and/or a series of programmed outdoor activity sessions in a safe, engaging and inclusive manner for a range of participants. Understand and meet the needs of participant groups through programmed activity.
Progression
PROGRESSION INTO THIS PROGRAMME
There are no pre-defined entry routes, however learners wishing to progress into this apprenticeship programme could come from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of qualifications. These might include diplomas, GCSEs, Welsh Baccalaureate qualifications, A levels, vocational training routes or foundation apprenticeships such as the Foundation Level Apprenticeship in Activity Leadership.
This apprenticeship can provide a progression opportunity for apprentices on an intermediate level programme as well as progression for those already working in the sector. This advanced programme is also suitable for those who wish to change their careers and retrain to enter the sector at this level.
The UK outdoors sector is a vibrant, exciting and growing one to work in. It is particularly suited to those with a passion and enthusiasm for working both with people and in the outdoors. Although gusto for adventurous activities is a must, it must be remembered that outdoor activity instruction is actually about people instruction in outdoor activities!
The Apprenticeship in Outdoor Programmes is designed for those individuals who wish to gain a broad, but solid foundation to allow them to follow a career in the outdoor sector.
Specifically, it is aimed at those who wish to develop skills and knowledge within the outdoor recreation (and adventure tourism), outdoor education and/or outdoor development training fields. At Level 3, roles will tend to be working with more demanding groups such as corporate teams or the socially disengaged in more hazardous activities and more remote environments.
Other areas of the outdoors such as expeditions, outdoor sport development, adventure therapy and bushcraft are not specifically catered for by this apprenticeship programme, but the skills, knowledge and competences that will be developed are transferable to many areas of the sector.
PROGRESSION FROM THIS PROGRAMME
Successful completion of the Apprenticeship in Outdoor Programmes can open doors to a wide range of progression opportunities within the sector. Typically, employers like to recruit staff with a mix of two or three NGB qualifications plus relevant workplace experience – completion of an apprenticeship is a good stepping stone towards meeting these needs.
With an appropriate level of experience, more advanced people skills and a greater portfolio of technical NGB qualifications, a wider range of roles will become accessible. These are likely to 22 involve more demanding adventurous activities, working in more remote settings or with more challenging groups of participants. For those looking to work in an educational setting, there is normally a need for appropriate teaching qualifications which can include a degree. The development of facilitation or social work competences can be the key to a wider range of roles within the outdoor learning field.
Looking beyond an outdoor instructor role, career development can often lead to significant elements of leadership and management within roles. Promotion or progression into roles such as a Chief Instructor or Centre Manager is quite possible. Alternatively, progression through to Higher Education may also suit some Apprentices.
A career in the outdoors can develop an impressive tool box of transferable skills. A range of opportunities are available to those who are willing to work towards and gain the experience and qualifications needed to work successfully within the sector. Whichever path the apprentice takes, this framework offers a sound initial platform to work from.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
The UK outdoors sector has a slightly higher proportion of males (56%) than females (44%), and a younger than average profile.
Age is a particular issue for the sector at both ends of the spectrum. Historically, organisations have not employed those under the age of 18 due to the nature of adventurous activities and participant groups using the outdoors (children and corporate groups for example).
Despite this, the sector is very popular with young adults; the seasonality prevalent in the sector may account for this. The sector sees a significant dropoff as workers age, and this ‘time bomb’ may have an important impact on skills and experience retained within the sector.
The sector has a need for multi-skilled ‘all-rounders’, and flexible apprenticeships can play a crucial role in feeding young talent into the sector, whilst allowing employers the opportunity to shape training programmes to their needs.
The outdoors sector has often been seen to have a lower level of academic attainment, in part due to it being attractive to those of a more practical nature. The work-based learning at the core of an apprenticeship is vital in assisting learners with the achievement of relevant qualifications.
Ethnic minority representation is low within the sector, and the promotion of apprenticeships through engagement with appropriate partners and relevant initiatives will help to encourage redress
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider / Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government