Training for a Career
You can train for a career in the outdoors full time, part time or on the job.
On the Job Training. It clearly helps to have qualifications when you are applying for a post but it is not essential if you are prepared to volunteer or accept low salaries in exchange for training.
A good employer will provide a full induction training programme and may offer you opportunities to train for and be assessed in certain qualifications even for a seasonal appointment.
An active interest in outdoor activities will help your application as will involvement in youth work as a group member or a young leader. Some employers offer Volunteer or Training Placements for which you or a training agency pay. In this case you should have a number of opportunities to gain awards whilst on the job. The awards most likely to be offered are outdoor coaching awards from the various governing bodies of sport covering activities such as orienteering, sailing, canoeing, caving, mountainwalking, single pitch climbing, etc.
Most of these awards are soon to change so that they are recognised as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) for coaches. An important award to obtain is a first aid certificate as this is needed in all outdoor work. It may also be possible to obtain NVQ's in facility operations through opportunities such as these.
There are a few Youth Training and Modern Apprenticeship schemes available for people interested in this field of work but are unable to find employment. To see if there is one near you ask at your job centre. In the north of England the modern apprenticeship scheme is run by Adventure Education.
When selecting an organisation ensure that they work in the sector in which you would like to operate ie outdoor activity holidays (recreation) or outdoor education.