Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor - Gloucestershire
South West Maritime Academy
Location: Cromhall Quarry, Wotton-under-Edge, Glos
Salary: £6.72ph
Closes: 31/12/24
Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor at South West Maritime Academy
This is an opportunity to start your journey into the world of outdoor leadership at the South West’s premier location for maritime safety training and leisure activities.
You will work as part of the team at SWMA whilst also completing your Level 3 outdoor activity instructor apprenticeship.
Working primarily in the leisure side of the business you will help us deliver high quality open water swimming, scuba diving and paddle sports sessions. You will also from time to time assist the commercial side of the business and get to experience a wide variety of maritime safety courses.
Primarily you will learn how to keep our customers safe through both onsite training and national governing body qualifications. We will train you in Health and Safety, Water Safety, powerboat handling, first aid and if you are ready to develop further, potential to complete an open water lifeguard course.
You will help provide high levels of customer engagement and customer service through a variety of customer facing roles on site, working on reception, in our catering unit and learning to deliver activity sessions.
You will gain NGB qualifications in first aid, paddleboard safety and instructor and use these to deliver paddleboarding sessions throughout the summer season.
Through the apprenticeship programme, you will have dedicated time per week to develop your own skills and training, making this a great opportunity to kickstart your career in the outdoors.
Day to Day Duties:
Customer service:
- Providing excellent customer service, ensuring each visitor to the lake has a successful, rewarding and enjoyable experience.
- Welcoming customers to the facility and ensuring they follow the sign in (and broader site) procedures, signposting them to the right area of the lake.
- Trouble shooting and signposting customer queries, and escalating through the proper channels if required.
- Handling payment processing; the sale of equipment and serving of refreshments to visitors.
Catering:
- Serve hot and cold beverages to our customers
- Help present a wide selection of cakes and traybakes and serve to customers
- Prep our homemade foods of Dal and Bacon Rolls
- Undergo food hygiene training and help maintain high standards of food hygiene in all aspects of food and beverage prep and service
Water Safety:
- Monitoring the water during open water sessions to ensure all water users are safe and follow the safety procedures/rules
- Ensuring all visitors are educated in, and adhere to the facilities rules and regulations
- Respond to those in need of assistance; vigilantly monitoring the participants to spot signs of struggle and signals for help/assistance
- Using rescue equipment and/or being part of a water rescue team using safety boats, paddle boards etc
- Assist and lead instructor led SUP sessions; working alongside experienced staff to develop into a lead instructor role; helping participants to develop and build their skills whilst having loads of fun!
Health and Safety Responsibilities:
- Working safely; highlighting any issues that may arise, following company Health and Safety recording and reporting procedures
- Implementation of key policies and procedures; risk assessments and operating procedures
- Contribution to the reviewing process of Health and Safety matters; giving your input if you can see a better/safer way of doing something
To find out more please visit the South West Maritime Academy website.
Vacancy Location:
South West Maritime Academy, Cromhall Quarry, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 8AA
Skills and Qualifications
Desirable:
- A water safety qualification such as an open water, beach or pool lifeguard certification (OWL, NPLQ, NWSMP etc)
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- A recognised First Aid qualification
- Experience in a similar role, or demonstratable transferable skill sets and experience
- A nationally recognised instructor or coaching qualification (British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor etc)
- A personal interest in open water swimming, paddleboarding and/or scuba diving.
Essential:
- A Level 1 (GCSE Grade D / 3) in Functional Skills Maths and English.
- Well organised and an ability to use your own initiative to identify what needs to be done.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with customers, clients and staff
- Flexible, adaptive mindset and approach to challenges
- A ‘can do’ attitude, being prepared to get hands-on with the role if and when required
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- A desire to learn, develop and to grow into the role
- Attention to detail in all aspects of work and areas of responsibility
Future Prospects:
Opportunities for further CPD and staff development and potential future employment opportunities at SWMA.
Essential Details:
Hourly rate: £6.72 per hour
Working Hours: 34 hours a week
Closing Date: 31st December 2024
Interview Date: In week Dec 16 – 20 and / or two weeks Jan 6 – 17
Start Date: 3rd March 2025
To Apply
Please email with a one page cover letter and your CV to Peter Organ: