The outdoor adventure/education industry is a rapidly developing sector providing increasing variety and opportunities to successful students.

These include positions in outdoor centres as activity instructors, expedition leaders/support staff, teaching roles and specialist adventure sport coaches.

Located in the centre of a National Park and making full use of the extensive College estate, the South Downs, the College Water Sports Academy and College outdoor centre in Snowdonia, this comprehensive one year course covers a wide range of specialist subject areas, leading to the development of organisational and leadership skills alongside practical skills in a range of land and water based activities.

This makes the course ideally suited to individuals who have an interest or aptitude for adventure sport. Jobs in the outdoor sector require the ability to work with, and relate to, a diverse range of people in a variety of formal and informal situations. A high level of self-motivation linked to sound organisational skills is essential to developing a successful career. Students will need to demonstrate a keen interest in developing both their own technical skills and those of others.

Although it is not necessary to have a high level of fitness, students will be required to undertake a range of physical activity in order to meet the course requirements.

Work Experience

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme. 

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Industry Work Placement

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.

There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

Additional Qualifications

There will be opportunities throughout the year to study additional qualifications that relate to the Outdoor Education Sector. These may include:

• NNAS (National Navigation Award Scheme)
• BMC (British Mountaineering Council)NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme)
• RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
• BCU (British Canoe Union)
• Appropriate first aid qualifications
• College award, functional skills or GCSEs in English and Maths

Katy Wilfort

Student, Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure)

My Favourite part of the course was all the watersports that I got to enjoy. Having the chance to try different activities led to my passion for sailing and enabled me to complete my Dinghy Instructor qualification, and a great job at the end of my course.

Future Opportunities

Following successful completion of the Subsidiary Diploma, students may progress onto the Extended Diploma or pursue a career in the Outdoor/Adventure Education industry.

Following completion of the Diplomas, students may progress onto Higher Education courses or pursue a career in the Outdoor/Adventure Education industry.