workthing
Climbing Group Leaders - Cumbria & Lancashire
Company profile
Robinwood specialise in 3 day activity courses for primary school children offering activities such as climbing & abseiling, hill and stream walking, open canoeing, archery, problem solving, caving, low ropes and team challenge. We are looking for enthusiastic people to join the team as Group Leaders / Activity Instructors. We offer an excellent package including year round employment, competitive wages and many on-going free training and development opportunities.
Group leading at Robinwood is enjoyable, rewarding, but also challenging. The position provides an ideal opportunity to work with children in an exciting outdoor adventure and teamwork environment, without the restriction of the classroom. Typically group leaders take charge of an activity group of up to 12 children once a week. The group leader meets the children on arrival and instructs or assists with virtually all of the activity sessions that the group takes part in during their three day course at Robinwood. Group leaders are central to the success of a Robinwood course.
If you are interested in working with 8 to 11 year olds, are ready to work hard and committed to doing an excellent all round job (whilst enjoying the whole experience yourself), then we're keen to hear from you. Our comprehensive training package means we are happy to receive applications from people who already hold recognised qualifications and also from those with limited outdoor pursuits experience. Your previous experience working with children, your enthusiasm and your personal qualities are just as important to us.
In March 2009 we will be opening our third and largest centre in Todmorden, Lancashire and so will be looking to recruit extra staff in spring next year.
Why is Robinwood different?
Permanent employment
Your initial contract at Robinwood will be for either 10 or 12 months, depending on your start date. Once your initial contract has been completed successfully you will immediately be offered a permanent contract for year round employment with Robinwood.
Excellent training package
Robinwood offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, all free of charge. The induction course includes training and assessment for a number of NGB qualifications including First Aid. We have an ongoing training programme and many other nationally recognised qualifications will be offered during your time with us.
A reasonable workload
Within the outdoor industry, people can typically work long hours with limited days off. We aim to offer a reasonable working week so that staff can do a great job but still have a reasonable work life balance. Obviously we have busy weeks, but over the course of a season staff work an average of 36 hours per week and get an average of 3 days off per week. Our staff work a maximum of 48 hours in any week and get at least two days off every week.
Competitive wages
Everyone at Robinwood is paid at least the full adult rate of the national minimum wage. There are numerous ways to increase your hourly rate while working at Robinwood as we pay increments to all staff to recognise experience, qualifications and length of service.
Great opportunities for career development
Robinwood always promote from within. If you show the right management qualities there are great opportunities to progress and many staff have been promoted to assistant manager within two or three years of starting work for Robinwood. Management training is included within the Robinwood training programme.
A great social and events programme
Robinwood organises and pays for many social events throughout the year, including a night out at the end every season. Staff residential trips take place each Easter and October. A number of adventure activities are organised over the 3 day residential; all paid for by Robinwood.
A child centred approach
At Robinwood although you will instruct a range activity sessions, you are responsible for the complete care of a group of children including breaks, mealtimes and night time supervision. As a group leader you will work an intensive three day period and have the chance to really get to know your group. The teachers like it, the Robinwood staff like it and the children like it.
Bonus payments
At the end of each season (i.e. 3 times a year) we pay thousands of pounds in performance related bonuses to all our centre based staff. We believe that the quality of centre based staff is the biggest single factor in the success of Robinwood. If you make the difference, then we feel it is only fair that you should share the rewards. We're keen for staff to develop a career with Robinwood and in recognition of this commitment; you will also qualify for an annual profit related bonus from the start of your third year working with us.
Good holidays
Robinwood staff get six weeks of paid holiday each year.
Subsidised accommodation and meals
If staff choose to live in Robinwood staff accommodation they will share one of our many staff houses which are all situated off centre. Staff houses typically accommodate 5 Robinwood staff in single or shared rooms. All houses have a lounge, kitchen, bathroom(s) and laundry facilities. There's a charge of £125 per month for a shared room and £155 per month for single room accommodation, with all bills paid by Robinwood. For the duration of your first contract with Robinwood there is a charge of £60 per month if you choose to have Robinwood meals. Meals are free of charge for all staff on their second and permanent contract with Robinwood
More about Robinwood Activity Centres
Interested? Please click the 'apply online' button below