The SWITCH Plus course takes place over 16 weeks - based on the same concept as the Intensive course it will give you more time to learn, practice and develop your skills, and look at each activity area in more depth, further helping you to gain relevant National Governing Body (NGB) awards, which are the stepping stones to instructor qualifications. It also offers training and personal skills development in additional areas of outdoor pursuits, such as Mountain Walking and Navigation, and Bushcraft and Survival.

At the end of the course there will be the chance for you to take NGB qualifications, depending on your personal ability and development. These qualifications are nationally recognised, and will enable you to work as a full time, seasonal or freelance instructor around the country.

Alongside the NGB awards and physical skills, you will also learn how an outdoor centre runs, covering all aspects of the industry from bookings and staffing to greeting clients and equipment safety checks. You will also learn various different styles and methods of teaching - this will be done on real activity sessions with real clients, under the supervision and direction of a qualified and experienced instructor.

With your dedication, and our input, you should walk away from the course with the ability to perform technically and competently at a variety of sports, be able to set up and run a session for clients, and have a great laugh whilst doing it!

You will receive personal instruction in the following areas:

Kayaking and Open Canoeing
Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
Mountain Walking and Navigation
Bushcraft and Survival

Depending on your personal ability and development you will have the chance to undertake as many of the following awards as you wish:

Kayaking and Open Canoeing : Personal Skills : BCU 1 Star and 2 Star generic Kayak and Open Canoe awards, plus 3 Star Training in the discipline of your choice.

Kayaking and Open Canoeing : Instructor Training : BCU Canoe/Kayak Safety Test, Level 1 Coach.

Rock Climbing : Personal Skills : There are no personal NGB awards for climbing, however you will receive training relevant to the Mountain Leader Training England's (MLTE's) Single Pitch Award (SPA) Instructor qualification, including climbing technique, ropework and group management. The Rock Climbing element of the course will take place in Spain, allowing you to benefit from the warmer and drier weather and develop your climbing skills more efficiently. On your return to Wales you will be able to continue your practice on our many and varied local crags.

Rock Climbing : Instructor Training : Depending on your previous experience, climbing ability and technical competence you should be ready to undertake the MLTE's SPA Training course. For those with the relevant experience and who have already undertaken the SPA Training course we can help you work towards assessment.

Mountain Biking: Personal Skills : You will cover essential skills including setting up and checking your bike before a ride, basic safety equipment, climbing, descending and cornering techniques, emergency repairs, and essential navigation skills.

Mountain Biking : Instructor Training : You will be able to undertake the Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme's (MIAS's) Level 1 certificate, allowing you to lead groups of cyclists on low-level terrain rides. For those with a considerable amount of Mountain Biking experience there may be the opportunity to undertake Level 2 Training (Level 2 allows leaders to take groups into more difficult terrain).

First Aid : You will participate in a 16 hour Rescue Emergency Care (REC) Emergency First Aid course, which is aimed at those who work in, or regularly spend time in the outdoors, and is recognised by MLTE, BCU and MIAS as valid for the First Aid requirements for instructors under their schemes.

The cost for this 16-week course is £6,270pp (non-residential).

The next courses will run from:

1st September-21st December 2008
2nd February- 21 May 2009

Career Development Loans This course is eligible for career development loans and can be funded by EU-funded redundancy training funding.

Military resettlement training and ELC enhanced learning credits. We are currently in the process of registering with ELCAS to enable you to put ELC funding towards the course. If you are interested in using your ELC credits to fund this course please let us know.