Outdoor pursuits is one of the fastest growth areas in the leisure industry. Thousands of people take to the great outdoors in Scotland, which has countryside ideal for every type of outdoor pursuit, from climbing to caving, and skiing to sailing.
There is a broad range of outdoor centres in Scotland, from activity holiday locations to local authority centres, providing courses and instruction to meet the rising demand. And, for every course, you need an instructor.
Both public and private outdoor centres employ people full-time. As well as full-time jobs there are also many part-time opportunities for instructors, particularly on a seasonal basis at holiday and adventure centres.
Outdoor pursuits instructors are expected to combine excellence in a number of outdoor activities with practical experience in each of them. An instructor's award from the relevant governing body is prerequisite.
The outdoors can be dangerous, which is part of the attraction, so safety aspects are always emphasised.
sportscotland's National Centres offer training and a variety of governing body awards in mountaineering, sailing, canoeing, power boating, windsurfing, ski mountaineering, hill walking and orienteering.
James Watt College of Further and Higher Education make extensive use of sportscotland's National Centre Inverclyde in the delivery of their outdoor pursuit courses.
Outdoor education courses are also available at degree level in a few Scottish universities.