Applications for 2027 are Open
Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career
Train as an Outdoor Instructor, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and start an exciting career in the outdoors.
Do you love being outdoors? Enjoy working with young people? Want a job where every day is different and where you can make a real difference to people's lives?
At Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, you'll learn how to become a qualified outdoor instructor while earning a wage, gaining nationally recognised qualifications, and developing skills that can take you around the world. You'll be joining a nationally recognised apprenticeship programme that has helped launch careers across the UK and internationally.
A career in the outdoor industry is exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities. From helping a nervous climber reach the top of the wall for the first time to leading groups on the water, you'll play a key role in helping people build confidence, resilience, and lifelong memories.
What You'll Gain
As an Apprentice Outdoor Instructor, you'll receive:
• Paid, hands-on experience delivering outdoor activities.
• Industry-recognised qualifications, including:
o First Aid
o Paddlesport Instructor
o Archery Instructor
o Bell Boat Helm
o Plus a range of additional instructor qualifications.
• A comprehensive induction programme, including training on our High Ropes Course.
• A high-quality outdoor uniform.
• Ongoing professional development workshops.
• Experience working with a wide range of clients and community groups.
• Opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and specialist roles within the organisation.
• A clear pathway from Assistant Instructor to Independent Instructor.
Award-Winning Apprenticeship Programme
When you join Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, you'll be learning with an organisation that is recognised for developing outstanding apprentices.
🏆 Highly Commended, BCS SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
East Midlands National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025
🏆 Finalist, BCS SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
East Midlands National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026
These achievements reflect our commitment to investing in people, delivering high-quality training, supporting career development, and creating opportunities for apprentices to thrive.
As an apprentice with us, you'll be joining a programme that continues to be recognised for excellence, having been highly commended in 2025 and shortlisted as a finalist again in 2026.
What Will You Be Doing?
You'll be part of a friendly and experienced team, supporting and delivering a variety of exciting outdoor activities, including:
• Archery
• Rock Climbing
• Canoeing
• High Ropes
• Bushcraft
• And many more
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll have plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and develop your own outdoor skills. Whether that's climbing outdoors, exploring rivers by canoe, or learning advanced instructing techniques, you'll continually build your confidence and expertise.
You'll also develop valuable life and employability skills, learning how to:
• Support nervous participants to overcome challenges.
• Lead and motivate groups.
• Build confidence and resilience in young people.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Deliver safe, engaging, and rewarding experiences.
Your Journey Starts Here
You'll begin as an Assistant Instructor, learning from experienced colleagues and building your confidence. As your skills and qualifications develop, you'll progress towards becoming an Independent Instructor, leading your own sessions and groups.
Every day will bring new challenges, fresh experiences, and opportunities to make a genuine impact on the lives of children, young people, schools, community groups, and families.
Where Could This Apprenticeship Take You?
An apprenticeship at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is more than just a job. It's the start of a career.
Our former instructors have gone on to:
• Senior and management positions at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
• Full-time instructor roles at LOPC.
• Outdoor centres across the world, including Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.
• Outdoor Education degrees at university.
• Careers with Centre Parcs.
• Specialist education settings and alternative provision schools.
• Freelance instructing opportunities throughout the UK.
• Teaching qualifications and careers supporting outdoor learning in schools.
The skills, qualifications and experience you gain here can open doors to a wide range of careers. Whether you dream of working locally, travelling the world, progressing into management, becoming a teacher, or running your own outdoor programmes, this apprenticeship can help you take the first step.
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre and turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that inspires, challenges and changes lives.
Apply today and start your journey as an Apprentice Outdoor Instructor.
Please send your applications to David Robinson - david@lopc.co.uk
Closing Date: 1st November 2026
Selection will take place between 16th and 29th November 2026
Start date will be the start of the 2027 season