JCA 2027 Apprentice Activity Instructor

If a traditional 9 to 5 office job isn't for you, this apprenticeship could be the perfect fit. Over 10 months, JCA will provide all the training, support and industry-recognised qualifications you need to become a confident Activity Instructor and build a career in the outdoor industry.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)

Hours

Full-time 40 hours per week, including evenings & weekends

Start date

Monday 4 January 2027

Duration

10 months

Positions available

37

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

You will play a central role in each group's stay, delivering safe, fun and engaging activity sessions in a residential setting. You'll help create memorable experiences for guests, ensuring every session is delivered with enthusiasm, professionalism and care.

• Activity Delivery & Quality:
  • Deliver all activities to your group in line with JCA’s standards
  • Adapt your delivery style to suit the needs, abilities, and dynamics of different guest groups
  • Ensure all activities are run safely, enthusiastically, and with a focus on guest engagement
  • Prepare and maintain equipment and activity bases to ensure readiness and safety
• Safety & Compliance:
  • Follow JCA’s safety policies and operational guidelines during all sessions
  • Assist in the prevention, response, and reporting of incidents, accidents, and safeguarding concerns
  • Provide first aid support when required
• Customer Experience:
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests
  • Build rapport with groups to enhance their experience and encourage participation
  • Respond to guest queries and concerns professionally and empathetically
  • Support the collection of feedback to help improve future delivery
• Team Collaboration:
  • Work closely with fellow instructors and team leaders to ensure smooth daily operations
  • Attend training sessions and team briefings to stay informed and prepared
  • Procedures during busy periods and contribute to a positive team culture

Where you'll work

JCA Adventure
Condover Hall
Condover
Shrewsbury
SY5 7AU

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SHREWSBURY COLLEGE

Training course

Outdoor activity instructor (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
Find information on: the activity type and timings; outcome requirements; participant age; medical information; equipment and resourcing allocation; venue; weather conditions.

• Prepare sessions to achieve the required outcomesg. enjoyment, thrill seeking, personal or team challenges, acquisition of new knowledge or skills.
• Select methods to meet all participant needs g. visual impairment, mental and physical ability.
• Select methods to respond to potential changes in the environmentg. wind increasing in a sailing session or rain making conditions slippery underfoot.
• Collect appropriate equipment and resources.
• Ensure the venue is set-up and ready to be used.
• Maintain self and group safety when delivering the session.
• Deliver an effective session briefing with clear instruction and following organisational procedures.
• Perform a competent demonstration of the skills required for the activity or subject at the appropriate level for the session.
• Provide on-going instruction to encourage learning and progression.
• Follow organisational operating procedures to adapt to changes in the environment. E.g. thunderstorm, a wind shift to offshore in a surfing session.
• Select and implement organisational procedures to deal with routine problems.g. broken equipment.
• Provide basic First Aid to respond to accidents in a safe, prompt and effective manner. e.g. injured participant.
• Initiate organisational procedures to summon support in the case of incidents or accidents.
• Use the organisations set approaches for learning delivery.
• Support individual and group engagement and participation in the session g. energisers, sharing responsibilities, appropriate pace.
• Change the pace of the session to match participants’ speed of learning.
• Identify and support the individual participants’ needs g. give personal attention, active listening, allow additional time, encouragement.
• Apply simple techniques to deal with conflict and challenging behaviour g. redirection, increasing responsibility.
• Use simple review techniques to check the achievement of required outcomes e.g. thumbs up; rounds; memorable moments.
• Signpost participants to progression routes.
• Complete a session within time, including the restoration of the venue, return of equipment and resources and any logging or recording requirements.
• Use participant feedback and own reflection to suggest improvements to sessions.
• Communicate with customers and colleagues in a clear, concise and effective manner.
• Handle information in a way that conforms to policy and protects data.
• Assist with the development and preparation of resources and support colleagues delivering sessions
• Actively encourage whole group participation and promote equality and diversity.
• Undertake activities to further develop knowledge and personal skills.
• Reflect on own performance and make refinements.