Outdoor Employment Programme

Our Outdoor Employment Programme is a free programme targeting young people aged 16 - 25 with barriers to employment. Our entirely free programme helps young people to develop skills and qualifications in a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, rock climbing, archery, bushcraft, first aid and high ropes.

Develop new skills

Gain qualifications

Meet new people

Improve your work opportunities!

The programme offers young people the chance to develop new skills, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and build a positive future into employment as an outdoor instructor, with local partner outdoor centres The programme also offers general employability workshops including CV writing and interview workshops; giving you the skills and experience to access future work opportunities. Young people can gain qualifications including:

  • High ropes instructor with the SS Great Britain 'Go Aloft!' high ropes
  • British Canoeing Paddle Sport Instructor
  • Royal Yachting Association Level 2 Powerboat Course
  • HSE accredited Outdoor First Aid Qualification
  • Indoor climbing instruction experience and volunteering through the Redpoint Volunteer Scheme

The free programme runs 2 sessions every Thursday, from our Pooles Wharf Activity Centre in Bristol city centre. Sessions are normally 2:00pm to 5:00pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm to fit in around existing college and work commitments. No experience is necessary and you do not need to attend every session, just come along whenever you can, if you are there, we will train you!

Delivered by experienced and accredited outdoor instructors at our AALA licensed outdoor centre, it is a very practical programme, which will support you on your journey to employment in the outdoor industry.

We're recruiting!

We are now recruiting for new trainees to become outdoor instructors!
Not only will you gain qualifications in outdoor pursuits and receive a First Aid certificate, you will also meet new friends, build confidence and improve your physical and mental abilities. All of which will increase your future work opportunities.

If you are interested please get in touch with Phil Harris, our Outdoor Employment Programme (OEP) Lead on 0117 929 2513 or emailph@youngbristol.com.

Our programmes

From youth clubs and outdoor activities to informal education and training opportunities, we offer a wide range of programmes for young people aged 8–25.