Instructor Training Programme

Join Our Vision: Empowering Young Leaders in Christian Outdoor Ministry

At Scripture Union Scotland, we’re more than just an organisation - we’re a Christian community dedicated to helping children and young people explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus. Our outdoor residential centres provide unique spaces for young people to grow, develop, connect with the natural world and explore issues of life and faith.  We are committed to raising up a new generation of Christian leaders who will make a lasting impact for the gospel.

Our Vision for You

Whether you’re starting your career in Christian outdoor activities or looking to deepen your experience, we offer a pathway that goes beyond just ‘work.’ Our Intern and Trainee Instructor programmes are designed to shape your personal and professional growth. We are passionate about investing in you, not only as a team member but also as an individual. With us, you’ll be equipped for both leadership and discipleship, helping you grow spiritually while building essential outdoor skills and impacting the lives of young people.

What We Value

At SU Scotland, we have two values which underpin everything we do:

• Dependence on God: Rooted in our Christian ethos, we seek candidates who are committed to living out their faith in a real and tangible way.
• Deepening Relationships: We believe strong, supportive relationships help everyone grow and this value drives how we relate with each other and with our guests.

In addition, we want to focus on:

• Development: Your personal and professional growth is a priority. From gaining valuable qualifications to receiving mentorship and engaging in faith development, we’re invested in helping you reach your full potential.
• Serving Young People: At SU Scotland, our primary mission is to support the growth and well-being of young people. Every activity you engage in will contribute to this larger goal.

What You’ll Do

As part of the team at Alltnacriche, you’ll gain hands-on experience in outdoor activities and in Christian outdoor leadership. You’ll lead young people in activities such as canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, and bushcraft.  But it’s not just about the skills you’ll learn, it’s about how you’ll grow spiritually, relationally, and as a leader. As well as the activity specific training and qualifications, throughout the programme you’ll be part of Bible studies, staff retreats, and discipleship training that will shape you as a leader in all areas of life.  Our teams meet for daily bible reading and prayer, as well as deeper bible studies together during the winter.  We work together with the goal of ensuring our guests know they are valued and important. 

Which Role is Right for Me?

We are offering two exciting pathways: the Intern Programme and the Trainee Instructor Programme. Both are designed to help you explore a career in Christian outdoor activity leadership, but they come with different starting points and growth opportunities.

1. Intern Programme - A stepping stone to a career as a Christian outdoor instructor. This is 1 year voluntary service and includes accommodation & food. Training will also be provided.

You’ll spend a year with us, gaining foundational experience in activity instruction, team Bible studies, and personal faith development. By the end of your year, you’ll be ready to apply for the Trainee Instructor programme and begin your journey to leading activities with a focus on young people’s growth and well-being.

In addition to in-house training, during the year you can expect to gain qualifications in outdoor 1st aid and leading archery as well as another national qualification in an area agreed with your supervisor.   You will start to build up the personal experience in outdoor activities needed for activity specific training courses such as Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader, Paddlesport Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor.

2. Trainee Instructor Programme (2-year fixed-term contract plus salary and accommodation at one of our centres). This is for those who are ready to take on more responsibility and begin working towards National Governing Body qualifications.

This programme is for individuals who have deeper, more independent experience with outdoor activities and broader experience of working with children and young people.  You are nearly ready to take a National Governing Body (NGB) training course and to lead sessions with increased responsibility.  

Over the two years, you’ll gain hands-on training and work towards NGB qualifications.  You will deepen your understanding of the different challenges facing young people and broaden the range of young people you are able to effectively engage and develop through outdoor activities. You will play an active role as part of an intentional community at one of our centres.

Salary year 1: £10,750 per annum plus accommodation

Why Join Us?

• Holistic Development: Gain skills in Christian outdoor leadership, outdoor activities, and Christian discipleship.
• Career Progression: From the Intern Programme to becoming a fully qualified Christian outdoor instructor, there’s a clear pathway for growth.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced instructors who will guide you, both professionally and spiritually.
• A Community That Cares: At SU Scotland, we are invested in nurturing relationships and providing an intentional environment where both staff and young people can grow together
• Be part of a wider SU movement: Seeking to help children and young people explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you if you’re passionate about outdoor activities, committed to your faith, and excited to serve young people. Please see the details below of how to apply.  If you would like to discuss the programmes or ask any questions, please contact shula.bayton@suscotland.org.uk. Alternatively contact us at hr@suscotland.org.uk. 

For this post, it is important that you are committed to SU Scotland’s ethos, working principles and vision and are able to demonstrate this through your commitment and motivation. It is also an Occupational Requirement (Equality Act - part 1, schedule 9), that the post-holder is a committed Christian.  

The successful applicant will be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Scheme and the appointment will be subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme Disclosure. 

• Closing date: 4pm, 15 July 2025
• Interview: 22/23 July 2025. This is a 2 day selection process.
• Start date: August 2025

Scripture Union Scotland is an equitable employer and operates a safeguarding policy.

Scottish Charity No. SC011222