Trainee Instructor & Modern Apprenticeship (MA)

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With a Modern Apprenticeship you learn on the job, and get the experience you need. Plus, you work towards a qualification.

Eligibility: For candidates aged 17 or over who don't already have a degree.

We currently have vacancies for 1 MA start in March 2024 and 1 MA start in September 2024. Contact us for more details.

Apprentice instructor training at Glencoe Outdoor Centre

WHY? Want to take the first steps to becoming an outdoor activity instructor? We partner with aspiring outdoor activity instructors who want to gain experience as well as qualifications. It’s fun, you learn a lot and grow as a person with your experiences.

WHAT? Activity coaching, sail training, experiential learning, NGB awards, academic qualification – SVQ SQA SCQF L6 Sports Coaching & SVQ SCQF L6 Outdoor Education.

WHERE? in the spectacular location, the extraordinary landscape amongst the lochs and Glens that is Glencoe

HOW? With a Modern Apprenticeship you learn on the job, get the experience you need, plus you work towards An SVQ qualification. You will learn how the industry works, what you are good at as an instructor, increase personal activity skills and gain more confidence in working with groups and leadership skills.

WHO? Love the outdoors? Want to grow in your Christian faith and increase life, people and communication skills? Then this is the training programme for you!

Photo taken by Anthony MacMillan photography

MA 'Sports Coaching' at SCQF Level 6

A work based vocational course designed to introduce candidates to the role of the instructor in the outdoor activity industry in Scotland. Includes:

Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at SCQF Level 6: Sports Coaching.

7 months work experience; BASP 2 day 1st aid certificate, Archery GB Instructor.

Personal skill certificates in: BC paddle sports, RYA Dinghy sailing.

Logged experience of: Mountain days, climbs, mountain bike days, snowsports.

Knowledge of: Personal protective clothing & equipment; navigation; weather; Health & safety & incident procedure

Rona Thomson and Michaela Dreeling completed MA at SCQF Level 6 July 2022. Rona & Michaela achieved: SVQ Sports Coaching; BASP Outdoor Emergency 1st Aid certificate; Sport Scotland safeguarding certificate; Archery GB Instructor; BC Paddle sports Instructor as well as RYA power boating and RYA Day Skipper theory certificates.

Michaela why did you decide to take up this MA opportunity? ‘I wanted to become an outdoor instructor.'

Rona what have you learned/gained from the MA? ‘I have learned that communication is really important plus teamwork, kayaking, archery and powerboating qualifications.'

Michaela what are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying? 'You get experience and qualifications.'

Rona would you recommend an MA to another young person? 'Yes it is a good opportunity to learn skills for life and work as being a good way to figure out your path in life.'

Danielle Gray and Alistair Foggin completed MA at SCQF Level 6 August 2021. Danielle & Alistair achieved: SVQ Sports Coaching; BASP Outdoor Emergency 1st Aid certificate; Sport Scotland safeguarding certificate; Archery GB Instructor; BC Paddle sports Instructor as well as RYA power boating certificates.

Danielle why did you decide to take up this MA opportunity? ‘I wanted to do a gap year in the outdoor sector and it seemed like a good opportunity to gain skills and enhance my CV.'

Danielle what have you learned/gained from the MA? ‘I have gained not only numerous NGB qualifications but also life skills that come from instructing such as increased confidence, responsibility and leadership. I believe it has been a very worthwhile experience.'

Alistair what are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying? 'It allows people to learn practically instead of academically and they get good work experience.'

Danielle would you recommend an MA to another young person? 'Yes I would, I have really enjoyed the MA and I have gained a lot of skills and experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise.'

MA 'Sports Coaching' at SCQF Level 6

Ross Laurie completed MA at SCQF Level 6 March 2018. Ross achieved: SVQ Activity Leadership; BASP Outdoor Emergency 1st Aid certificate; Summer Mountain Leadership Training; Archery GB Instructor; Salomon rental technician certificate as well as personal skills in paddle sports, climbing, sailing and skiing. Ross progressed to MA Outdoor Education at SCQF Level 6.

Ross why did you decide to take up this MA opportunity? ‘Love the outdoors. This job lets me do the activities I enjoy. Because its a Christian place I can also grow in my faith.'

What have you learned/gained from the MA? ‘Life skills. People skills. Communication skills.'

What are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying? 'Good balance of 'study' and 'work' keeps it fresh.'

Would you recommend an MA to another young person? 'Yes because its fun and you learn a lot and grow as a person with your experiences.'

MA 'Outdoor Education' at SCQF Level 6

A work based vocational course designed to consolidate candidate’s outdoor experience and equip them for the role of coach/instructor in the outdoor activity industry in Scotland. Includes:

Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at SCQF Level 6: Outdoor Education

2 years work experience;

2 coach/leader/instructor awards typically taken from the following list: Summer Mountain Leader award; Rock climbing Instructor Award, Climbing Wall Instructor Award; Mountain Bike leader Level 2; BC Paddlesports Instructor Award, D1 endorsement on driving licence, RYA Dinghy Instructor, BASI Alpine level 1 Instructor, RYA Day Skipper, RYA Powerboat safety boat endorsement.

Mark MacKenzie completed MA at Level 6 in November 2017. Mark achieved: SVQ Outdoor Education; UKCC BCU level 1 coach and SCA paddle-ability foundation award; Archery GB Instructor; Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership award; Silver Velotech bike maintenance certificate; RYA Seamanship Skills & RYA Safety Boat certificates.

Mark what have you learned/gained from the MA?

‘Loads! How the industry works, what I am good at as an instructor, not just my personal skills in the activity.'

What are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying?

'I ain't just someone with qualifications but also experience'

What are your plans for the future? How will you be able to use the skills gained in the MA?

'Hopefully by helping kids with difficult backgrounds through the outdoors'

MA 'Sports Coaching' at SCQF Level 6

Duncan what have you learned/gained from the MA?

‘More confidence in working with groups and leadership skills'.

What are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying?

'Its a lot easier because most of the evidence you need to get you're doing anyway'

What are your plans for the future? How will you be able to use the skills gained in the MA?

'Going to university, will be able to use a lot of the leadership skills I've gained and some of the qualifications for (volunteering on) SU camps'

Would you recommend an MA to another young person?

‘Yes because its an easy way to get qualified while just doing your job.'

Duncan MacDonald August 2019

Duncan completed MA at SCQF level 6 in August 2019. Duncan achieved: SVQ Activity Leadership; Velotech Silver mountain bike maintenance certificate; Archery GB Instructor; BASP Outdoor Emergency 1st Aid; Sports Scotland Safeguarding certificate; BC Foundation Safety Rescue Training; RYA Competent Crew; RYA dinghy level 2.

MA 'Outdoor Education' at SCQF Level 6

"Glencoe Outdoor Centre is a beautiful and homely venue hidden away in the middle of the awesome landscape of the Scottish Highlands. It will quickly feel like home and the views never become less spectacular.

The more you get involved in the outdoor Industry, the more you realise that it includes much more than just being an exciting group leader that delivers fun activities. You have to spend time planning, preparing paperwork and reviewing sessions. The MA is a helpful structure to guide you through the process of understanding and practically using some of the "behind the scenes" skills that come with being involved in the outdoor industry." Nathan Low January 2017

Nathan completed MA at SCQF level 6 in May 2014. Nathan achieved: SVQ Outdoor Education; Summer Mountain Leader award; Single Pitch award; Trail Cycle Leader; UKCC BCU level 1 coach.

Link to further MA information from SDS

MA 'Outdoor Education' at SCQF Level 6

Joel what have you learned/gained from the MA?

‘Leadership and organisational skills and confidence.'

What are the benefits of combining working in the industry whilst studying?

'You gain a qualification that is more than just writing. You gain true experience and understanding of what happens in the background.'

What are your plans for the future? How will you be able to use the skills gained in the MA?

'Hopefully work in a similar role.'

Would you recommend an MA to another young person?

‘Yes. Gain own responsibility and independence. Gives a goal with motivation.'

Joel Bamsey November 2019

Joel completed MA at SCQF Level 6 in November 2019. Joel achieved: SVQ Outdoor Education; Archery GB Instructor; BASP Outdoor Emergency 1st Aid; Sports Scotland Safeguarding certificate; BC Paddle sports Instructor (PIA); RYA Competent Crew; RYA dinghy Seamanship Skills; Summer Mountain Leader Training; Mountain Bike level 2 coach training.

Since leaving Glencoe Joel has been working at SU Alltnacriche

What is your role with SU Scotland and what does that involve day to day?

'I am an instructor working at SU’s Highland centre Alltnacriche. My day to day really changes on what is ahead that week. In the winter some maintenance to the centre and shovelling snow, then the spring / summer time is where I do most of my instructing of activities. This summer I often did canoeing with SU Holiday groups around Loch Inch and Lochindorb. Some weeks I have been instructing in Highland schools delivering activities to P7s. It has been a real mixture this year but has been really good'.
Where did you live and work before joining the team at Alltnacriche?

'Before I worked here, I was an Apprentice Instructor for two years with Glencoe Outdoor Centre, which is another really good centre. They also do Bible teaching with groups, and similar activities to SU. I learned so much while I was there both practically and in my faith and that has set me up to where I am today'.

MA 'Outdoor Education' at SCQF Level 6

"I started the MA level 3 as a natural progression from the MA at Level 5 which I completed March 2017. I have learned how to deal with people, work loads, timings and organisation. l had good support when needed." Ross Laurie August 2019

Ross Laurie completed MA at SCQF Level 6/7 in August 2019. Ross achieved: SVQ Outdoor Education; RYA Day Skipper Practical & Theory certificates; RYA Safety Boat certificate; RYA dinghy Seamanship skills certificate; BC Paddle sports Instructor Award (PIA); Summer Mountain Leader training; Climbing Wall Instructor training; Level 2 mountain bike leader training.