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Outdoor Learning Specialist
ST0945

What is an

Outdoor Learning Specialist?

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Outdoor Learning Specialists work in various sectors, including sport, tourism, and education. They design, plan, and deliver outdoor learning programs that focus on education, personal development, health, and nature connection. These professionals work in outdoor centers, schools, national parks, and youth organizations. They possess specialized knowledge of the natural environment and prioritize safety and effective learning. Outdoor Learning Specialists manage resources, lead delivery teams, and adapt to changing conditions. They are responsible for program design, execution, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and promoting sustainable practices.

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Outdoor Learning Specialists facilitate the progressive development of activity competence, inter-personal and intra-personal life skills, outdoor and environmental knowledge and understanding. They will coach, mentor and provide feedback to allocated outdoor activity session delivery staff to develop their knowledge and skills in meeting the outcomes of the programme. 

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For further information regarding the standard, click here

Funding Band

£13,000

Duration

24 Months

Level

5

Preparing to Climb

Entry Requirements

Employers will have their own specific entry requirements but could include the following:

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  • Level 2 Award in Functional Skills English or equivalent

  • Level 2 Award in Functional Skills Mathematics or equivalent

  • 18 years or above or at the employer’s discretion due to the nature of the work

  • Existing skills and knowledge of Outdoor Activity

The End-Point Assessment Process

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YOUR APPRENTICE JOURNEY

(MINIMUM DURATION 53 WEEKS)

On and off-the-job training to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours

English and Maths Level 2 (if required)

Production of a portfolio of evidence​

 

GATEWAY (TYPICALLY 1 MONTH)

The employer must be content that the apprentice is working at or above the level of the occupational standard. 

Apprentices must have achieved all qualifications mandated in the Outdoor Learning Specialist occupational standard. The qualifications required are:

  • Level 2 Ofqual registered Award in Safeguarding relevant to the employer’s business.

  • Level 3 Ofqual registered 2-day Outdoor First Aid Award 

Apprentices must have achieved English and mathematics at Level 2. 

Apprentices must submit to the EPAO: 

  • A logbook of evidence to underpin the professional discussion.​

 

END-POINT ASSESSMENT (MAXIMUM 3 MONTHS)

End-point assessment consists of three methods:

  1. customer proposal report, presentation and questioning 

  2. observation with questions 

  3. professional discussion (underpinned by a logbook of evidence)

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Reach the Top

Grading Criteria

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Fail Criteria: Apprentices who demonstrate any of the fail criteria will fail the practical test and/or professional discussion.

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Pass Criteria: The apprentice must demonstrate all of the pass criteria.

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Distinction Criteria: The apprentice must display all of the pass criteria and all of the distinction criteria.

Progression Routes

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On completion, Outdoor Activity Instructors may be eligible to apply to be Associate Professional of the Institute for Outdoor Learning to support their career development and progression.

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