Outfit Moray’s Trainee Scholarships
Outfit Moray actively develops the potential of young people in Moray, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, through our comprehensive programme of outdoor learning and adventure opportunities and, as a result, we are able to do the same with our trainees, whilst they work alongside our team of highly skilled and experienced instructors to deliver our activities to local schools, youth charities, organisations and families in Moray.
We are the only charity of our type in Moray but, despite our size, we have a strong track record of supporting young people into employment across the UK since 2017, with some trainees even going on to travel internationally or purchase their first home at a relatively young age.
The Scholarship
By their very nature, adventurous activities help improve physical and mental health, as well as building self-esteem and resilience through positive risk taking, meaning our scholarships empower trainees with the confidence to show themselves, and the rest of the world, just what they are capable of.
Each scholarship provides a unique, life-changing opportunity for the trainee to learn new skills and gain qualifications relevant to the outdoor industry, with the aim of giving them the confidence to pursue a career in whichever industry suits their personal goals and aspirations.
After a year of working, upskilling and training, alongside our daily activities, we actively encourage our trainees to move on to a job that suits their personal goals, and support them through the whole process, from job hunting, filling in applications, CV preparation and interview techniques.
The aim of an Outfit Moray trainee scholarship is to support young people into employment, whether that’s in the outdoor industry or elsewhere, in fact our trainees have gone on to become posties, distillery workers and engineers.
The Trainees
As a Trainee, You Will:
- Study Outdoor Learning and Adventure with Outfit Moray through voluntary work placement, alongside studying Outdoor Adventure (NQ) – SCQF Level 5 at UHI North, West and Hebrides (Broadford College, Skye) through a mixture of online, in-person and residential opportunities
- Gain a range of industry-recognised outdoor qualifications from National Governing Bodies (NGB)
- Build personal skills in leadership, paddle sports, cycling, climbing and expedition work
- Develop confidence working with children, young people and adults and be part of a supportive, very experienced instructor team
- Access to all the specialist equipment you will need to develop your skills in and out of work time
What You’ll Do:
- Learn how to assist instructors in delivering outdoor learning and adventure activities
- Support school groups and youth programmes
- Learn how to safely manage equipment and activity sessions
- Take part in training, expeditions and events
You should acheive qualifications in the following:
| Personal |
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| Paddlesport |
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| Cycling |
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| Climbing |
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| Walking |
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Progression Opportunities:
For those who progress well, and meet minimum age requirements, there may be opportunities to move onto advanced training such as:
- National Navigation Achievement Scheme, Silver Award
- Paddle Sports Instructor (multi-craft)
- White Water Safety & Rescue
- Trail Cycle Leader
- Climbing Wall Instructor
- Raft Guide Level 2
- Archery GB Instructor
Who It’s For:
Young people aged 16–25 who are interested in the outdoors, working with others and willing to learn, get involved and try new things.
How to Apply:
Apply by email to outdoor.learning@outfitmoray.com Places are limited and selection will be based on suitability and commitment.
The Sponsors
By funding a trainee scholarship, our funders have a direct opportunity to have a positive impact on a young person’s future, with the potential of setting them up as employable and productive members of their community.
Each scholarship is incredibly personal to every individual, and we actively encourage sponsors to engage with their trainee, including (but not limited to) on site visits during the scholarship period, as well as awarding their trainee with a ‘Certificate of Scholarship’ at our AGM in November. Trainees will be prompted to maintain regular contact with their sponsors, and updates will also be shared on our social media, highlighting the difference each scholarship is making.
Each scholarship costs between £15,000 to £20,000 per year, depending on the age of the trainee and the number of hours they work a week. There’s also the opportunity for multi-year, ‘named’ scholarships enabling sponsors to make a continued and larger impact on our local community.