Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has launched a brand-new residential outdoor instructor training programme with the hope of inspiring the next generation of adventurous leaders.

The Adventure Speyside Instructor Training Academy, set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is led by the charity’s Adventure Aberdeen instructors who are among the best in the country at their chosen sports and are passionate about passing on their skills and knowledge.

The residential course takes on six participants, aged 18 and over, per programme and runs for 14 weeks.

Over the course of the programme, National Governing Body awards will be gained in:

• First Aid at Work
• Foundation Safety Rescue Training
• Paddlesport Instructor
• White Water Safety Rescue
• Level 2 Mountain Bike
• Summer Mountain Leader Award
• Rock Climbing Instructor Training

Participants will also be fully trained as coasteering and gorge walking leaders and learn skills in the following activities: hill walking, scrambling, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, gorge walking, coasteering, mountain biking, team building activities, orienteering and wilderness skills.

We are really excited about launching our brand-new training academy and it is my hope that it will inspire budding outdoor instructors to take the leap and dive into what for me, has become a dream job.

Mike Gifford

Mike Gifford, Adventure Aberdeen Manager, said: “Enrolling in the Adventure Speyside Instructor Training Academy will provide a unique opportunity in a breath-taking setting and participants will leave with real and exciting employment prospects, with opportunities to become part of the Adventure Aberdeen team.

“Whether you are looking for an alternative to university or have decided to re-skill in the wake of the pandemic, we really hope to encourage the next generation of outdoor leaders in the north and north-east of Scotland.”

On completion of the course participants will be given the opportunity to interview to become an Adventure Aberdeen and Adventure Speyside Outdoor Instructor, providing adventurous activity across the north-east of Scotland for people of all ages and abilities.

For further information please click here or email adventureaberdeen@sportaberdeen.co.uk