POEC Outdoor Instructor Course

Outdoor Instructor Course

Prepare & qualify for work in Outdoor Education

Start a career in Outdoor Education with Cornwall’s leading and longest running provider of adventurous activities.

The Outdoor Instructor Course with Porthpean Outdoor is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who is looking to enter the Outdoor Ed sector at Instructor level. Our passionate and experienced team of trainers and assessors will guide you through the course in a fun and supportive environment, striving to ensure you achieve your goals and attain all the quals needed for a fantastic future in the world of outdoor activity instruction.

Learning over a period of 22 weeks (44 days, including assessments), you will build up skills, competence, understanding, and theory, allowing you to achieve a variety of personal awards leading up to internationally recognised National Governing Body instructor qualifications.

Programme Name	Outdoor Instructor Course
Start Date	28/10/24 (provisional date)	End Date	11/04/25 (provisional date)
Location/s	Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre and Porthpean beach. Other local venues will also be used in order to provide the broadest learning and development experience.
Course Introduction	The Outdoor Instructor course will prepare and qualify candidates for work in the outdoor education industry. Providing all the tools and skills needed, across multiple disciplines, the course has been designed for those at entry level that wish to start a career in the outdoor education sector at instructor level. The course will provide you with a comprehensive range of personal awards, leading up to internationally recognised National Governing Body Instructor qualifications, which can be used to gain employment within the industry, both here and abroad. The Outdoor Instructor course with Porthpean Outdoor is suitable for anyone with some experience of the activities included. The main requirement is the desire to help others to participate in adventurous activities in a professional, safe, and structured environment.
Course Director	Chris Riddell	Course Assessors	Andy Barclay Dougie Bruce Glen Scott John-Paul Eatock Pete Greening Chris Riddell
Guided Learning Hours	Most of the course will be instructor led.

NGB Award Titles

British Canoeing Discover & Explore Awards
British Canoeing Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Award (FSRT)
British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award
British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award
National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme Levels 1 & 2
Climbing Wall Instructor
Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme Level 1
NCC Coasteering Training
Archery GB Leader
First Aid in the outdoors
Safeguarding

Assessment Process: Assessment days will be arranged during the course dates. Dates will be determined by a candidate’s progress and readiness for assessment.

Re-assessment policy: Re assessment will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Course cost: £5,400 inc. VAT

Included resources: NGB Course materials, activity equipment and PPE.

Interested? Contact us

Instructor Course Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a day or two?
If you miss a day, it is your responsibility to cover the training that you missed. This would be discussed with the trainer/assessor. You may be required to complete some personal development with other course members to stay up to date with the course progress.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, a payment plan option can be offered to suit your circumstances. This will be arranged by Direct Debit.
All payments will be taken in advance to cover the cost of our training. Should payment fail, we must ask for an alternative means of payment within 48 hours. Failure to settle the agreed payment by this time will result in your participation in the course to be terminated with the loss of all monies paid. Our outstanding monies, in line with our cancellation policy, will be invoiced for accordingly.
All course fees must be paid before you have been assessed.
What certificates will I get at the end of the course?
If successful on assessment you will receive the following awards:
- First Aid in the outdoors (16Hrs)
- MIAS L1 or L2 (depending on personal ability)
- British Canoeing Discover Award, Explore Award
- Sea Kayak Award, PSR (Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Training)
- Paddlesport Leader
- NICAS level 1 & 2
- Mountain Training CWI Training (Climbing Wall Instructor Training)
- National Coasteering Charter Coasteer Guide Training
- Archery GB Level 1 coach, Safeguarding Training
Will I be able to get work at Porthpean OEC after completing the course?
All course members will be offered an interview for the upcoming season at Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre (with employment offered from mid-April to late-October).
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation can be added on Sunday and Monday nights at a cost of £20 per person per night to include breakfast. The accommodation allocated will be your own timber pod. The timber pod will include bedding, including pillow and duvet, plus heating and power. Showers are provided neat to your accommodation.
Do I need to be good at the activities before starting the course?
No previous experience is needed, but it is beneficial. Qualifications are not guaranteed, and external assessors are used for most qualifications.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, you don’t need your own equipment, but you may use your own if you wish to. PPE will be checked by us before it is used. If deemed unsafe/unsuitable to use, you will be offered our equipment.
How many people will be on the course?
We will accept up to 8 people for our 2023-24 course.
What are the age restrictions?
You can apply for the course at 18.
What happens if I drop out of the course?
Although we would be very sorry to see you leave the course before completion, there will be a financial penalty for doing so.
Outdoor Instructor Course Cancellation Policy
- Between booking and 6 weeks completed – LOSS OF DEPOSIT PLUS 50% OF COURSE FEE (less any monies paid)
- Between 7 weeks completed and course completion and LOSS OF DEPOSIT PLUS 25% OF COURSE FEE (less any monies paid)
Full terms and conditions must be agreed to at the time of booking.
How do I book?
Please give us a call in the first instance. Our course director, Chris Riddell, will happily answer any questions you may have and invite you to the centre for an informal chat and tour.
Once you are happy to proceed, will you invite in for a formal interview. Please understand that it is important for both parties that our course is the right fit for you.
All meetings and interviews can be held over Google Meet if preferable.
Once you are accepted on to our course, we will ask for a £500 deposit to secure your place. The deposit is returnable upon course completion. At this point we can also discuss a payment plan, if required.