Overview
Are you considering a career change? Do you crave more time outdoors and want to turn that passion into a career? Our Instructor Development Program could help you realise your potential and set you on a rewarding career path in the outdoor industry.
This intensive training course is designed from a blend of our extensive experience in delivering high-quality outdoor education, coupled with valuable feedback from years of running successful programs.
The Instructor Development Program is not just a intensive training experience led by our highly experienced instructors; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the breath-taking landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia), the ultimate outdoor playground.
You’ll also be surrounded by a like-minded community, giving you a ready-made group to practice with during your free time on weekends. Once you arrive, we take care of everything so you can focus entirely on your development.
This programme is aimed at enabling you to build on your current experience and knowledge to help you be the best outdoor practitioner and instructor that you can be. This is not a programme that will force you through qualification whether you’ll ready or not.
We will give you the highest level of input and mentoring whilst including you in the planning and decision making to shape the program. When you feel ready, you can attend instructor training or assessment courses.
How it Works
The program is designed to provide you with top quality instruction in a flexible format. To ensure the highest quality of teaching, we maintain small group sizes, with instructor-to-student ratios ranging from a maximum of 1:6 to as low as 1:2 when needed.
The Instructor Development Program is made up of three separate modules:
- Module 1 – Mountaineering
- Module 2 – Paddlesport/Mountainbike
- Module 3 – Rock Climbing
Each module is four weeks long, you can choose to focus on just one, two or all three modules. During the four weeks you’ll focus on personal skills and instructor training courses (if you’re ready), you can then choose your assessment dates from our normal course offering up to a year from the end of your module. You could even do one module this year and a different one next year!
More information about each module below.
All National Governing Body (NGB) courses follow the same format, attendance on a training course, followed by a consolidation period, then an assessment course.
At PYB we are invested in assisting you to be the best outdoor practitioner that you can be. Because of this, each module focuses on training you to the highest standard without the pressure of going for either NGB training courses or assessments before you are ready.
If you complete the relevant NGB training courses within the 4 weeks of module time, you will get enough credit days to return to PYB when you are ready and have the adequate log book experience at no extra cost.
If you did not complete the NGB training courses within the module time, you will get enough credit days to return and do the training course when you have enogh log book experience at no extra cost. You can book on an assessment once you are ready, but you will have pay for this.
Your Dedicated Training Team
Our instructional team are passionate outdoor enthusiasts. The instructors that will be working with you will have years of experience in their fields and hold the highest-level qualifications. They also work on the higher level NGB courses, training the trainers.
The whole programme is overseen by one person, James Bruton. This ensures continuity and that your personal learning needs are met. James conducts mid-course reviews to ensure you’re getting everything you want and to act as a mentor.
James Bruton: Instructor Development Program Lead
About:
“Hey, I have been working in the outdoor industry since 1999 across many different aspects of the industry.
I work across the climbing and mountaineering, paddlesport and biking departments. This puts me in a good position to run the program and have an overview of all of the modules.”
Qualifications:
- British Cycling Level 3 MTB Leadership Tutor
- Climbing & Mountaineering Instructor
- Winter Mountain Leader
- Course Director – Lowland Leader, HML, ML
- British Canoeing Level 5 kayak Coach
- British Canoeing Level 4 Sea Kayak Coach
British Canoeing Canoe Coach
Each module then has its own lead. Their job is to create the best, and most progressive programme possible, based on the team’s aspirations, the weather, and conditions. Additional staff will then work alongside, and under their guidance, again ensuring a personalised and progressive approach.
Facilities at Plas y Brenin
When you get in from a hard day on the hill or water it’s essential to rest and recover. As part of the residential package, you’ll have your own ensuite room, and personal space to unwind. Your room will be cleaned by our house keeping team and towels are provided.
Your accommodation is located a short walk from the main centre, giving you your own personal space away from the busy centre. As well as your own ensuite room, there is a living area, communal kitchen / dining area, parking, drying room and bike starage.
You will never go hungry at PYB! The residential package includes a full cooked breakfast or lighter alternative, packed lunch, cake when you get back (a PYB tradition!) and a 3 course meal in the evening. Our kitchen can cater for various dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan options.
We have our own climbing wall on site at PYB complete with bouldering area, roped climbing and an auto belay. You are welcome to use the climbing wall in your own time. You just need to register and sign in each time at reception.
If you’re on the paddlesport module, you’re welcome to use the rolling pool in your own time following an induction with one of our paddlesport staff.
We have a comprehensive kit store for you to make the most of whilst you are here. We provide most of the equipment for the activities at PYB (More specific information in individual module information).
There is a bar onsite! Whilst we are not encouraging you to drink lots when you’re here (!) the bar area is often a great place to unwind, socialise and meet new people and network. The views of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) horseshoe never get old.
We also have great drying rooms to get your kit ready for the next day, washing and drying machines and bike storage. All transport to venues is covered during course time.
Mountaineering Module
The module is pitched to give you all the skills and confidence to look after yourself on any British mountain, in any weather, in any season, at any time of day or night – in essence, a thoroughly well-rounded mountaineer! Though the weather in January is undoubtedly challenging at times, it’s ideal practice for this month – as they say, train hard, fight easy!
We will help you to develop your personal skills as you work towards your Summer Mountain Leader training or assessment. Like any NGB award, you need to meet the minimum requirements to be able to attend the course. These are set out by the NGB and not Plas y Brenin. You do not need these pre requisites to attend the Fast Track course. Your journey towards these qualifications will vary in length depending on prior log book experience.
To get the most from the mountaineering module you should be fit enough to spend a day out in the hills covering up to 20 kilometres in the mountains with 1000 metres of ascent.
The mountaineering module will be at Plas y Brenin for 3 weeks, and at our base in Scotland for the final week to go winter mountaineering. Alltshellach hotel is well placed to make the most of some of the best mountain areas the West Highlands has to offer, located between Fort William and Glen Coe.
We’ll aim to use ice axes and crampons to ascend some classic Munros, further develop your navigation in the snow, and give you all the skills you’ll need to operate safely and independently in the winter environment. We’ll also aim to do a classic winter climb using two ice axes – one of the highlights for last year’s Fast Trackers!
After a month of tuition in the mountains you should feel prepared for anything that can be thrown at you! Depending on your experience, you may then choose to book a Mountain Leader Training or Assessment course from our public course dates, included within the price.
- Personal experience – gain a minimum of 20 Quality Mountain Days – QMD criteria here
- Register for the Mountain Leader and set a DLog profile here
- Be a member of the British Mountaineering Council join here
- Attend a first aid course info here
- Attend a Mountain Leader Training course, info here
- Consolidate your skills / have a minimum of 40 Quality Mountain Days (in total)
- Attend a Mountain Leader assessment – PYB assessments here
Kit that Plas y Brenin can provide from its comprehensive kit store whilst on the mountaineering module:
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Rucksacks
- Helmets
- Crampons
- Ice axes
- Ropes
Any other specialist equipment required on the course.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
| Introduction to the module/PYB Equipment for mountaineering Navigation fundamentals Personal movement in the mountains Weather/route planning | Introduction to scrambling Safety in steep ground The mountain environment Advanced scrambling | Mountain leader training OR Mountaineering skills | Scotland Winter skills Use of ice axe & crampons Winter navigation Winter scrambling |
20th January – 14th February
- Full Board: £,5,995
- Non-Residential: £4,320
- Self-Catered : £5,245
- Deposit: 25% (non-refundable)
Paddlesport and Biking Module
The Paddlesport module is geared towards giving people the personal skills and knowledge to be safe on the water and work towards the Paddlesports Instructor and Paddlesports Leader. Like any NGB award, you need to meet the minimum requirements to be able to attend the course. These are set out by Paddle UK, not Plas y Brenin. You don’t need these prerequisites to attend the Fast Track course. Your journey towards these qualifications will vary in length depending on prior experience.
The Paddlesport Instructor course consists of training and assessment together, so you’ll be able to complete this within the module time, if you meet the requirements.
The Paddlesports Leader consists of a separate training and assessment. The training is included withing the module time. You can then book onto an assessment when you’re ready, after the module has finished.
Personal experience – the Paddle UK award structure allows those with the right level of personal paddling skills to enter at the award suited to them. For example, if you’re a confident sea kayaker in moderate environments you can go straight to your moderate sea kayak leader. What does this mean? Well, that experience is vital to progress through the awards quickly. The more time you can get out on the water the better! Make sure you keep a record of your time on the water too.
The mountain bike program is integrated with the paddle sport program.
We will develop your personal riding skills, focusing on working towards the British Cycling level 2 mountain bike leader award. This is a two-day training course with a one-day assessment when you are ready to complete it.
Be able to ride a mountain bike to the level of that required to ride red graded trails in a variety of locations.
- You will need to be a member of British Cycling info here
- You will need to fill in a log book prior to the training info here and meet the personal experience requirements info here
- Attend the level 2 leader training course info here
- Once ready, attend a 1 day assessment
- Do the online safeguarding accessed when you are registered for the course.
- Hold a first aid qualification info here
The MTB program will consist of 4 days concentrating on personal skills and 2 days on the level 2 leader training.
Kit that Plas y Brenin can provide from its comprehensive kit stores whilst on the Paddlesports module
- Kayaks, Canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards
- Paddles
- Wetsuit
- Paddling cag / top
- Buoyancy aid
- Spray deck
- Helmet
- Dry bag
- Any other specialist equipment required on the course.
Kit you’ll need to provide:
- Thermal / warm layers
- Warm hat
- Personal first aid kit
- Footwear that you can get wet, wetsuit socks also advised.
You may want to purchase your own equipment. It is worth waiting until the course starts to get the advice of our instructors on the correct items to buy, rather than buying kit that may not be what you need. We may also be able to get you discount on kit from our brand partners Peak Paddlesport.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
| Introduction to the module Paddlesport Foundation Skills Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Mountain bike (MTB) skills | Further paddlesports skills Inland open water safety and rescue MTB skills | Paddlesports skills / varied craft Paddlesport Instructor training | Paddlesport Leader training MTB skills MTB level 2 leader training |
- Full Board: £5,295
- Non-Residential: £3,600
- Self- Catered : £4,550
- Deposit: 25% ( non-refundable)
Rock Climbing Module
This module is pitched to give you a well-rounded skill set as a climber, opening all climbing opportunities, whether you’re climbing on sport crags, multipitch routes, or sea cliffs – you should feel confident to get stuck in! North Wales is a genuinely world class venue for rock climbing, we have everything on the doorstep – all styles of climbing, countless rock types and amazing routes.
There’s no better place to develop your climbing in the UK!
Solid experience and understanding of all things climbing is the ideal starting place to then consider the subtilties and nuances of climbing coaching and instruction. This module can develop skills towards and beyond the RCI, RCDI and MCI qualifications.
A week in the Peak District for a completely different climbing experience and rock type: gritstone, affectionately known as ‘God’s own rock!’ This week provides the chance to develop lead climbing skills in a different environment and climb routes of a very different style.
If you have or are close to the prerequisites (below) for the Climbing Wall Instructor and/or Rock Climbing Instructor, you’ll be able to attend them within the module time. If you haven’t, we’ll help you to work towards them and attend when you’re ready.
Training pre-requisites:
- Register for the Climbing Wall Instructor and set up a DLog profile here
- Be a member of the British Mountaineering Council – join here
- Attend a first aid course – info here
- Attend a Climbing Wall Instructor Training course
Personal experience / logbook requirements:
- Visits to three different climbing walls on at least 15 different occasions; this must include at least one major public wall.
- 10 led routes at French grade 4 (or equivalent) info here
Assessment pre-requisites / logbook requirements:
- You must have logged a minimum of 30 personal climbing visits to at least three different climbing walls.
- You must have led a minimum of 40 climbs on climbing walls.
- You must be confident at leading routes at French grade 4 (or equivalent).
- You must have assisted in the supervision of at least 15 instructed sessions on at least two different walls including a large public facility in a variety of contexts. At least five of these sessions must have personal reflective comments** recorded on DLOG.
- Attend a Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment – PYB assessments here
Training pre-requisites:
- Register for the Rock Climbing Instructor and set up a DLog profile here
- Be a member of the British Mountaineering Council – join here
- Attend a first aid course – info here
Personal experience / Logbook requirements:
- 15 led routes which must be graded rock climbs with traditional protection, 15 led routes at a climbing wall.
- 5 led routes which must be outdoor bolt-protected sport climbs – info here
- Attend a Rock Climbing Instructor Training course
Assessment pre-requisites:
- You must be competently leading Severe grade climbs on outdoor crags with leader-placed protection.
- You must have led a minimum of 40 graded rock climbs with traditional protection at a variety of venues (of which at least 20 MUST be at Severe grade or above).
- You must be proficient in the use of climbing walls and have a minimum of 30 climbing wall leads graded at F4 or above.
- You must be proficient in outdoor bolt-protected sport climbing and have a minimum of 10 sport climb leads graded at F4 or above.
- You must have assisted in the supervision of 20 instructed sessions. These sessions should be at a variety of different venues with 10 being on indoor climbing walls and the other 10 on outdoor crags. A session is a half day or evening. At least five of these sessions must have personal reflective comments** recorded on DLOG.
- Attend a Rock Climbing Instructor – PYB assessments here
Kit that Plas y Brenin can provide from its comprehensive kit store whilst on the mountaineering module:
- Rock climbing shoes
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Rucksack
- Helmet
- Harness
- Climbing rack / equipment
- Ropes
- Any other specialist equipment required on the course.
Kit you’ll need to provide:
- Thermal / warm layers
- Warm hat
- At least 2 pairs of gloves
- Personal first aid kit
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
| Introduction to module Indoor / outdoor climbing Movement skills BMC Fundamentals 1&2 | Single pitch climbing Extra staff for more flexibility Climbing Wall Instructor training Foundation Coach training | Peak District Single pitch climbing | Extra staff for more flexibility Rock Climbing Instructor training |
- Full Board: £5,775
- Non-Residential: £4,320
- Self- Catered : £5,025
- Deposit: 25% (non-refundable)
All Modules Combo
Go all-in with the ultimate module combo, covering all Climb, Hike, Paddle and Bike modules.
- Full Board: £17,065
- Non-Residential: £12,290
- Self- Catered : £14,820
- Deposit: 25%(non-refundable)
Module 1: Mountaineering
- 20th Jan - 14th Feb '25
Full Board: £5,995
Non-Residential: £4,320
Self- Catered : £5,245
Deposit: 25% (non-refundable)
Module 2: Paddle/Bike
- 17th Feb- 14th Mar '25
Full Board: £5,295
Non-Residential: £3,600
Self- Catered :£4,550
Deposit: 25% (non-refundable)
Module 3: Climb
- 17th Mar - 11th Apr '25
Full Board: £5,775
Non-Residential: £4,320
Self- Catered : £5,025
Deposit:25% (non-refundable)
All Modules
- 20th Jan- 11th Apr '25
Full Board: £17,065
Non-Residential: £12,290
Self – Catered : £14,820
Deposit:25% (non- refundable)
After Fast Track
What happens after Fast Track?
This completely depends upon you. We’ll help as much as possible to give ideas of people and organisations to contact if you’d like to pursue work in the outdoors depending on your experience and aims for the future. Recent Fast Trackers have done all sorts of things, they include;
- Gaining a contract at an outdoor centre.
- Working at a climbing wall.
- Leading Young People’s overseas expeditions.
- Setting up a business.
- Freelancing for other providers.
- Working in an outdoor education department in a school.
- Running safety cover for events companies (such as a 3 Peaks Challenge).
- Delivering Duke of Edinburgh training and qualifying expeditions.
- Working in film safety.
Some people have followed the Fast Track scheme with a yearlong position as a Trainee Instructor or Centre Assistant at PyB, which has then led to freelance and contracted work for some. While this isn’t common, it has happened several times in recent years.
We’re always keen to hear what Fast Trackers have been up to and try to support them as best we can – the door is always open and we’re always more than happy to help people when we can.
Getting Started
Book a 1:1 and chat with James to see if Fast Track is right for you.
