New opportunity to gain a career in the outdoors

UHI Perth has launched a new course designed to progress students into an exciting career in outdoor adventure sports.

The NQ Coaching and Leading Adventure Sports (subject to approval) is ideal for those with an enthusiastic interest in coaching and leading adventure sports and outdoor activities. Students will participate in a range of land and water-based activities such as canoeing, paddle-boarding and kayaking (in white water and surf), rock climbing and hill walking with overnight expeditions as well as a residential field trip experience. 

Chris Heaney, lecturer explained: “UHI Perth is ideally located in close proximity to excellent rivers, lochs, coasts, hills, and crags - meaning our students get the opportunity to learn the personal skills and develop their leadership and coaching abilities with minimal travel time, maximising the practical learning time and fun. We have close links to the outdoor sector, including providers and national governing bodies and many students successfully gain employment during the summer which they are able to continue part-time when returning to study the next level of course. 
“We endeavour to model what we teach. We see students as individuals with their own strengths and areas for growth and our job is to support their journey.”

Kieran Thompson, lecturer added: “Having worked in outdoor education for over 20 years, I’m thrilled to now be able to share my knowledge and experience with students keen to work in the outdoors. With a focus on paddle sports, climbing, and hillwalking - we’re creating a pathway for students keen for a career in this fantastic sector.

“This new Level 6 NQ Coaching and Leading Adventure Sports was designed both to build on the skills and qualifications gained by students on the Level 5 NQ Outdoor Activities and Leadership, and to offer an entry point for those students who already have a selection of National 5 qualifications, as well as more mature students looking for a career change and a way into the outdoor industry.”