The outdoors sector can play an important part in delivering government policies. Concern over the state of the UK population’s health is focusing attention on those industries that are placed to promote both health and well-being through participation in healthy activity.
Similarly, the Department for Education supports learning outside the classroom to encourage learning through direct experience; this is a fantastic opportunity for the outdoors to be a significant contributor as a channel for educational delivery. Scotland is also planning for all children to have a week of free outdoor education. The outdoors also supports UK society through its contribution to areas such as rural regeneration, tourism, employment and social cohesion.
The outdoors is difficult to define economically. Widely accepted figures suggest the sector contributes a gross value added output of £430million and has a workforce in excess of 25,000; these numbers are believed to be conservative.
The sector supports many salaried positions and an even larger number of voluntary posts. Many of the positions available are seasonal.
The outdoors also makes a substantial indirect contribution to the UK economy, for instance, through adventure tourism and through retail spending on outdoor equipment and clothing. It has been estimated that 50% of the UK population takes part in some form of active recreation whilst on holiday; their spending was estimated to be around £2 billion.
The outdoors sector is one of growth; it has consistently outstripped whole economy growth from 1999 to date. Growth is currently believed to be in the positive despite the recent recession. Future growth can only be sustained if suitably qualified and skilled staff are available to support it.
Apprentices can build skills in supervising and leading outdoor activities with an NVQ in Outdoor Programmes which is available at Level 3.
This qualification covers key areas such as organising people and resources, good working relationships, conservation and health and safety of both customers and colleagues.
Who are they for?
This qualification is for those who lead or supervise outdoor programmes for education, recreation or development training.
Why choose the National Skill Academy?
The National Skills Academy has access to many training providers across the UK. Once we fully understand what you wish to gain from this apprenticeship, the National Skills Academy will put you in touch with an approved training provider, who will work closely with you to deliver the necessary training and ensure the programme meets your requirements.
The Outdoor Introductory Award is a new work-based qualification for the Outdoors, based on longstanding induction standards for staff working at outdoor centres. It focuses on the initial induction training that all staff (not just instructors) might undergo when joining an outdoor centre or organisation. The training compliments duplicate qualifications such as National Governing Body Awards and is in the process of being accredited by SkillsActive.
The National Skills Academy is currently running a 12 month pilot project with PGL, putting 75 learners through the new award and reviewing and evaluating the effect of this on the organisation, individuals and their clients.
The Introductory Award provides a basic qualification that underpins the knowledge of individuals entering the industry. It complements and helps individuals move towards their National Governing Body awards. Ultimately we hope that the qualification will be fundable and are working towards this wholeheartedly.
The success of the pilot project will be judged on the impact on individuals completing it, and their resulting career progression.
This is just one example of how we can deliver new innovative qualifications for employers using the expertise of our partner SkillsActive.
For more information, please feel free to contact us using our enquiry form.