FAQ
Q: Are there any entry requirements, or pre-requisite qualifications to applying?
A: There are no formal qualifications required to join the course, our assessment is based on your overall suitability to the course - your attitude and aptitude.
Q: Are there age restrictions?
A: We’ve had trainees from 18 to 55, so the short answer is no. People join the course at different stages in life, whether it’s to break free from traditional higher education and learn about the outdoors, to make a career change later in life or to act as a springboard to setting up in business, Dynamic Adventures’ Outdoor Instructor Training fits the bill. The beauty of the small scale means we can embrace a massive variety of focus and goals.
Q: How personalised is the course?
A: Due to the company’s scale, our trainees are in the unusual position of genuinely being able to tailor their own qualification portfolio. To a great extent all trainees’ specific needs are met by our Instructor Team. Because our trainees begin from such a variety of starting points, with a wide range of experience, the course has to be relevant to everyone. For example, we have had trainees who have started the course already holding their Climbing Wall Instructor certificate. These candidates will go on to their Climbing Wall Development Instructor award instead.
Q: When does the course start and when should I apply?
A: The course starts late September. You can get in touch with us any time between then and now, but spaces are limited, so we always recommend you contact us early to secure your place.
Q: what should i do next if i’m interested?
A: Download our Brochure to have a read in more detail, get in touch with us via our contact page, or register your interest with the Open Day request form.
q: how can i get a feel for life as a dynamic adventures trainee?
A: The best way to understand how it looks from the inside out is to come to an Open Day, and follow us on Instagram where instructors and trainees post regularly.
q: how long has dynamic adventures been doing this?
A: We’ve been in the training game since the company moved to Devon in 2006. In the early days, it was just one at a time, but along with our expertise in the training field, numbers have grown steadily ever since.
Q: can you recommend a place to stay when I come to visit?
A: Many of the local B&Bs, hotels, inns and campgrounds can be found online by visiting the Visit Totnes website. AirBnB also has a broad selection of local listings to suit all budgets.
q: why does your course cost what it does?
A: Course fees include simple, private accommodation and living quarters at The Adventure Centre, accommodation and travel expenses on all overseas and UK expeditions, some basic safety kit and equipment, all training sessions and assessment costs unless otherwise stated. As a family run community interest company, Dynamic Adventures has a challenge to provide the unusually travel rich and personalised learning experiences we offer. Our fees reflect the desire to be accessible to as many students as possible, whilst maintaining this quality of training experience.
In terms of budgeting, it’s good to know that you’ll need to budget for the following additional costs: Food, NGB Memberships, Award Registrations, Parking permit (if you bring your car).
Q: Do I need Insurance?
A: Our company insurance covers you for all the activities and sessions you’ll be undertaking. However we recommend you take out holiday insurance to cover things like lost baggage and repatriation.
q: why is the course 12 months?
A: Effective instructing and leadership takes real experience and confidence. The mixture of skills training, expeditions and work experience with groups provided through Dynamic Adventures Outdoor Instructor Training allows you to actually become and feel like an instructor. You’re treated as one from reasonably early on, building confidence with groups throughout in a supported way.
There are certain qualifications you simply can't achieve on a shorter course, such as Mountain Leadership and Rock Climbing Instructor. Other shorter courses seek to improve your personal skills levels but not necessarily have time to complete assessments.
q: Are the qualifications i’ll gain recognised abroad?
The National Governing Bodies (NGBs) through which your qualifications will come are UK specific. However, because of their internationally recognised standard of quality, many countries including Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Middle-East, Canada and most European countries all readily accept them. Trainees also use their NGBs to get employment with UK companies operating abroad.