Outdoor learning leader jobs

Youth Work Apprenticeship

Location: Based at a local GMYF Youth Centre in Manchester or Trafford with regular attendance at Ormside Mill Outdoor Residential Centre in Cumbria

Responsible to: Outdoor Education Manager

Contract: Fixed 3-year apprenticeship contract with potential for FT employment on completion of successful apprenticeship.

Hours: 30 hours per week to be worked flexibly, inclusive one day per week university study.

Salary/Grade: £20,982 with the option of an auto enrolement pension 

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage. A key part of our offer is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education activities, including residentials at our Ormside Mill Residential Centre in Cumbria.

Purpose of Role:

The Youth Work Apprentice will work alongside professionally qualified youth workers learning the skills and qualities of the youth work profession. The apprentice will attend sessions on a weekly basis as well as committing to a university study day each trimester. A central focus will be to engage and support young people 11 – 18 years to take part in outdoor education activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There will be an expectation for the apprentice to attend residential events, expeditions and wider outdoor activities e.g. canoeing, climbing and hill walking to encourage and support young people taking part in these activities. Apprentices will learn a range of essential youth work skills including mentoring, boundaries, safeguarding and reflective practice which they will utilise in their work with young people, carrying out their roles with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism.

An overarching skill and ethos of the role will be to build trustful and meaningful relationships with young people for which ongoing training will be provided. Understanding the barriers some young people face and how to overcome these will be a regular feature of the youth worker portfolio of skills. While the core components of youth work skills will be central to the role a significant amount of time will be spent supporting young people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities which is central to our mission of improving the life chances, inclusiveness and resilience of young people.

The role will involve regular travel and overnight stays which will need to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the charity. A TOIL system is in place which is subject to agreement with line manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Delivery & Development

• Undertake a course of studies at degree level attending university one day per week developing a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve a professionally recognised youth worker Degree Apprenticeship.
• Develop a working knowledge of GMYF’s policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the organisation and to meet the Apprenticeship Standard.
• To have a high regard to and comply with GMYF’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to maintain a strong working knowledge of appropriate safeguarding developments.
• Provide high levels of performance which comply with GMYF’s commitment to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage and wider barriers to participation and achievement.
• Under supervision, work closely with other team members to assist (and as skills levels develop lead) in a range of youth work projects and areas of specialism e.g. outdoor education.
• Plan, coordinate, and support young people aged 11–18, up to 25 with additional needs, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting GMYF’s youth work approach, values and behaviours.
• Develop progressive outdoor learning pathways that support personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with youth workers to integrate outdoor education into wider youthwork  programmes, targeted interventions, and school partnerships.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, SEND and other barriers to participation.
• Through personal example promote the behaviours that exemplify GMYF mission and ambition.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure youth worker apprenticeship compliance and comply with university policy and procedures throughout the duration of studies. This will include working to GMYF professional guidance and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, guidance, and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Read, understand and comply with risk assessments, operating procedures, and emergency action plans as required.
• Contribute to and support the organisation’s monitoring and self-evaluation process.

Administration & Organisation

• Maintain all academic and administrative duties aligned with the youth worker degree apprenticeship.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by line manager consistent with GDPR.
• Contribute to the promotion and marketing of GMYF to schools, youth groups, and partners.

Representation & Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain a professional partnership with the youth worker degree apprenticeship training provider, schools, DofE, funders, and outdoor sector regulator bodies.
• Represent GMYF within the youth work and outdoor education sectors at meetings and events.
• Advocate for the value of outdoor learning in supporting young people’s wellbeing, mental health, and personal development.
• Support GMYF’s strategic objectives and values through professional leadership, collaboration, and celebration of success.

Person Specification

Essential

• L2 qualification in Maths and English
• L3 qualification e.g. Youth Work, Sports Leader or similar (A’ Levels) *
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice
• Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team
• L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people – to be obtained within 3 months of employment – training provided via employer

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers
• Experience and passion for outdoor education activities and or qualifications in this area e.g Mountain Leader, canoe instructor

*If an applicant does not have the essential qualifications stipulated, discretion may be applied if the applicant can evidence significant work experience and demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy for studying in Higher Education.

Other Requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your cover email. 

Closing date for applications: 14th May 2026, midday.

Interview date: 20th & 21st May 2026

Start date: August 2026

The Role

We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.

Your lead projects will include:

• Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
• Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
• Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
• Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027

Alongside the team, you'll:

• Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
• Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
• Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
• Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
• Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
• Represent AirS at events and through social media
• Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects

About You

Essential:

• Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
• Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
• Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
• Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
• Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
• Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
• Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
• Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
• Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
• Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities

Desirable:

• Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
• Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
• Experience of line management or team leadership
• Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
• Experience using social media to promote projects

Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given) Salary: £30,833 pro rata Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027 Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution

AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.

About This Job

This is an exciting role within the Army Cadet Adventurous Training team responsible for ensuring all support elements are in place to facilitate the AT service for the Army Cadets and Combined Cadet Force.

We are looking for a training professional to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team to assist with strategic planning, budget management and HR matters. You will line manage the CCAT Facilities and Logistics Officers.

In conjunction with the CCAT Training Officer you will support the Centre Managers with planning and delivery of courses and expeditions.

From time to time, you will be required to deputise for the Head of AT or the Centre Managers which may involve travel throughout the UK and overseas, working some evenings, bank holidays and weekends.

Essential Skills

· Good level of general education (English, Maths and IT).

· Hold a level 3 qualification in leadership and management.

· UK driving licence (Cat B).

· Experience of managing a small team.

· Exceptional IT skills and extensive use of MS365.

· Experience of organising events, working with internal and external partners.

· Experience of supporting and mentoring.

· Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationships across a range of organisations at all levels.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Personal credibility, enthusiasm, flexibility, resilience and innovation.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our Capel Curig office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs Sunday 31st May 2026.

Interviews will be held in person during the week commencing Monday 15th June 2026.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.