Graduates Reflect On Their Outdoor Instructor Training Experience
- richeddins
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
We’re incredibly proud of the graduates from Mendip’s Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) program, and we thought it would be great to catch up with some of them and share their instructor training experiences.
The AOIT provides an opportunity to expand your horizons and develop professional qualifications for a career in the outdoors. Every year, we welcome a wonderful mix of people from diverse backgrounds and ages, all of whom demonstrate a passion and commitment to making the most of their training.
Mendip’s Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) Course
The AOIT is an 18-week intensive program that focuses on training and assessments for 20 outdoor activity qualifications from National Governing Bodies. The program equips aspiring outdoor instructors with the skills and qualifications they need for year-round employment in the UK and abroad. Past graduates have pursued new careers in the outdoors, working at Mendip Activity Centre and further afield, and have started their own businesses.
Meet the Graduates
We would like to say a big thank you to Sasha, Craig, Dylan and Riley for sharing their instructor training experiences with us. It’s been a pleasure working with you and everyone who participated in the program.
Retail to Rock Climbing - Sasha’s Instructor Training Experience
Name: Sasha
Background: Retail
Were you ‘outdoorsy’ before this course?
“Only camping, many of these activities were my first time.”
What was your experience of the course like?
“The course really lived up to my expectations. As a real beginner in the industry, it kind of provided a really good foundation for me. I particularly enjoyed the Rock Climbing Instructor training…we got to work with a guy called Jay who's a real expert in climbing.”
What are you doing now?
“I was fortunate enough to be employed by Mendip…doing a summer with them this year. In future, I’m not sure yet. I’d like to get more qualified, but just keep learning, be outside, keep doing fun things in the outdoors.”
Do you have a favourite activity or a memorable moment from the course?
“The activity that I enjoy the most was climbing…learning how to trad climb properly, getting to climb outside. I also really enjoyed caving…getting to explore underground is pretty awesome.”
Do you have any advice or inspiration for people considering the AOIT course?
“Throw yourself into it…make the most of getting to work with and be trained by all of these professionals. If you can do it and you want to do it, I would definitely do it.”
Uni Studies to Outdoor Activities - Dylan’s Instructor Training Experience
Name: Dylan
Background: Studying at a university
Were you ‘outdoorsy’ before this course?
“I enjoy being active outdoors and tried some activities before taking the AOIT.”
What was your experience of the course like?
"At first, it was probably quite scary. But then I realised I just need to stick myself into it and, like, do everything at full blast. Every day was full of stuff to do...I got out of it what I wanted to get out of it. It was everything I wanted it to be and more...it was really useful in managing to find a career, and, by the end, some of my closest friends were made from being on the course."
What are you doing now?
"For now, it's going to be a lot of trying to get some more of those long qualifications...and just carry on working. If I can do that for the rest of my life, I'll be pretty happy."
Do you have a favourite activity or a memorable moment from the course?
"I think the one that surprised me the most [was] paddlesports...now I really, really love it. Like, it's so fun. Also, I’d never skied before coming on the course…I was awful at it…but as I did it more and more…I started falling in love with it."
Do you have any advice or inspiration for people considering the AOIT course?
"Just do it. Come on the course...I did it and I'm very glad I did, and I wouldn't take that back for anything. Give it your all every day, and you will have a blast."
From Finance to Life Balance - Craig’s Instructor Training Experience
Name: Craig
Background: Finance
Were you ‘outdoorsy’ before this course?
“I liked being outdoors, but the idea of working outdoors was properly sparked when I volunteered to assist with a trek in Wales.”
What was your experience of the course like?
"I came across the main outdoor activity centre...it felt like a family...a place I could settle and spend six months dedicated to learning new skills. One of the key things for me when I joined the course was the age gap between myself and the younger people, but within the second week, I felt part of the group. I wasn't treated as the older occupant...being able to engage and keep up with them was a joy."
What are you doing now?
"Mendip offered me a position...a nice life-work balance between the outdoors, home and my family. It was a life-changing experience for me when I suddenly realised what was possible...there are jobs out there, an industry I was blissfully unaware of."
Do you have a favourite activity or a memorable moment from the course?
"The most memorable part was probably the second week when we had the trip to the Lake District...as a group, we all realised we could help each other get through struggles and tiredness."
Do you have any advice or inspiration for people considering the AOIT course?
"Do your research, do your homework. Look what's out there [and] speak to people in the industry...get your family involved and supportive."
Gap Year to a New Career - Riley’s Instructor Training Experience
Name: Riley
Background: Gardening, and he had been considering taking a gap year to travel
Were you ‘outdoorsy’ before this course?
“I loved being outdoors, I did some climbing, but never thought a career in outdoor activities was an option. I never really knew it was a career…I always thought it was a hobby or a free-time thing.”
What was your experience of the course like?
“I was nervous to start off with…but because everyone's on the course for the same reason, they’re all like-minded people. You're doing stuff every single day, or every single day is different. It's brilliant. I've definitely made friends for life that I'm going to be hanging out with for a long time, for sure.”
What are you doing now?
“Showing people what I love doing…getting them on the water…is just what I want to be doing, really. They say that if you do a job you love, you never work a day in your life. And that's exactly what it feels like. My friends are jealous of the fact that I'm doing stuff which they would consider a hobby, and I'm getting paid for it.”
Do you have a favourite activity or a memorable moment from the course?
“For sure, my favourite activity has got to be the paddling stuff. And the trip we did to the Peak District…we stayed in a bunk house…cooked our own food…just got a load of climbing done. Also, going to France and just skiing for a week was brilliant.”
Do you have any advice or inspiration for people considering the AOIT course?
“My advice would just be to jump in with two feet and go for it. Come along to an Open Day and talk to people who’ve done it before.”
Life After an Outdoor Instructor Training Course
Mendip’s Outdoor Instructor Training graduates work all over the UK and abroad. The experiences they have on this course provide a great foundation for a future in the outdoor industry, and every participant is part of the Mendip Adventure family with fond memories of their time on the course.
"Every year, we're blown away by the dedication of AOIT participants, and this year was no exception. Everyone threw themselves into the training: learning about new activities, developing their skills, and supporting each other on their paths to a new career. It's been wonderful to see, and we wish a big congratulations to everyone." - Luke Moore, Chief Instructor
The Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course is a great way to accelerate your skill development, gain activity qualifications and grow your community of outdoor professionals. Backed by decades of experience in the outdoor activity industry, the AOIT is your passport to adventure.
How to Book Your Place on the Next Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training Course
The next Instructor Training course starts on 2nd November 2025 and runs for 18 weeks. Covering qualifications for summer and winter activities, the course increases your employability and opportunities for year-round employment, and participants are offered job interviews upon completion.
The Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course overview:
20 courses and qualifications
Fully catered accommodation at Mendip Activity Centre near Bristol
Nationwide training at National Parks and a European ski trip
Unlimited shadowing
If you need to stock up on kit, you can also get a heavily discounted full equipment package when you register.
Spaces on the AOIT course fill up fast, so make sure to book your place today! Find out when our next Open Day is here, and come along to find out what it’s all about.
Single Instructor Courses and Personal Skill Awards
Dip your toe in instructor training with a standalone course or work towards a personal skill award with Mendip Instructor Training. Courses are offered in Paddlesports, Rocksports, Target Sports, Snow Sports, Navigation and Hillwalking, so you are sure to find a course that suits your goals.