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Career profiles from different sectors within the outdoor industries

The Outdoor Instructor

Name: Al Gilmour

Job Title: Instructor

Age: 37

Company: Glenmore Lodge National Outdoor Centre

How many years have you been working in the outdoor industry?: 17

Summary of career path to date: I started working at a great adventure centre for kids as the Handyman on the west coast of Scotland. Over 6 years with the centre I worked through to become manger and boatman. From there I had a short break to work in commercial forestry running a company with my younger brother. After this I returned to working in the Outdoors at first freelancing, then running my own mountain and mountain biking business with my wife eventually moving on to more freelance work for Glenmore Lodge. This led to a 0.5 FTE contract with Glenmore Lodge which has then led on to a full time contract and where I am at now.

Why did you choose to work as an outdoor instructor?: I guess the two main reasons were the link with my main hobbies and the challenge and enjoyment of working with loads of different people.

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?: The satisfaction of watching someone’s personal skills and achievements progress through the information I pass on to them

What’s the toughest part about your job?: Often the weather and how this affects where we can operate to give the customer the best experience

What are your favourite outdoor activities? Climbing, Scrambling, Mountain Biking and recently sea kayaking

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career as an outdoor instructor?: Only look to achieve qualifications in sports you are an enthusiast in. Only do it if you love working with people. And, only do it because you enjoy it.

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