The SWITCH course takes place over 6 weeks, during which time you will learn physical skills and technical knowledge, and have plenty of time to practice in various outdoor activities, with the aim of helping you to gain relevant National Governing Body (NGB) awards, which are the stepping stones to instructor qualifications.

Within 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 experience how an outdoor centre runs, and learn various different styles and methods of teaching.

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 sports:

Kayaking
Open Canoeing
Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking

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

Kayaking and Open Canoeing : Personal Skills : BCU 1 Star & 2 Star generic Kayak and Open Canoe awards

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

Rock Climbing : Instructor Training : Depending on your previous experience, climbing ability and technical competence you may be ready to undertake the MLTE's SPA Training course

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 6-week course is £2,350pp (non-residential).

The next courses will begin on 3rd November 2008 and 16th February 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.