Climbing Instructor Jobs
If you are after a jobs that requires you to teach people how to climb, either indoors on a purpose built climbing wall, or outside on crags, or if you want to lead groups of walkers, especially in a mountain environment, you need to get qualified with one or more of the main British Mountaineering Council qualifications.
Let's start with indoors on the climbing wall. It doesn't matter whether the wall is twenty feet high with a couple of routes, or whether it is a monster like the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, you need the Climbing Wall Award (CWA) or the older Single Pitch Award (SPA) as a minimum. Once you hold one of these you can take the Climbing Wall Leading Award (CWLA) which builds on your existing knowledge and allows you to teach lead climbing skills.
To qualify for the basic awards you will need to demonstrate knowledge of climbing venues and rope management. You will also need to show you can manage groups, teach climbing skills and undertake emergency procedures. The course itself usually lasts a couple of days and you will learn a great deal from it. You should also make sure your first aid certificate is up to date, as you will need this as part of the course assessment.
Hill and Mountain Walking Awards
You may also be interested in the Walking Group Leader Award (WGL) which allows you to take groups of walkers in terrain that is upland, fells and moors. The North York Moors would be a good example. Slightly more challenging is the Mountain Leader Award (ML) and the Winter Mountain Leader Award (MLW) which is also designed for those leading hill walking groups, though in tougher mountain terrain, without ropes. And a step further would be the Mountaineering Instructor Award (MIA) and the Mountain Instructors Certificate (MIC). These two allow you to lead groups in more challenging conditions and environments. They will broaden your experience and improve your job prospects if you are aiming to teach at a level beyond basic climbing.
So once you are qualified to teach, what can you expect from a climbing instructor job? The main job requirements are going to mirror the information you learnt during the Single Pitch Award, namely being able to provide direct instruction to groups on various aspects of climbing. You'll be responsible for the health and safety of the people you are teaching. There will probably also be some paperwork involved.
What's it like?
We spoke to Adam about his experiences as a Climbing Instructor in West Wales.
"I have been mad keen on climbing for years now. I went on an activity holiday in the Peak District as a kid and being allowed to climb all over these rocks without my Mum shouting at me to get down was fantastic. It all grew from there really. I found a local climbing wall and went there a lot to improve my skills. The staff there were really helpful and when I asked them about how to get more involved, they said I should do the single pitch award or the climbing wall award."
"I took that and started applying for jobs. There weren’t loads of jobs available so I did some more courses at college and I think it was that that helped me get my first job. I was an assistant climbing instructor with an outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District. I imagined myself somewhere like Wales or Scotland to be honest I thought the Lake District would be a bit flat. I was wrong. There is some of the best climbing in the country. It was ace being able to climb in my free time, and climb while I was at work too. Teaching groups of kids from the city who had probably never seen a mountain before is so rewarding. Making sure they are aware of all the safety procedures and how dangerous it can be, then getting them out on the rock. Teaching people to climb is the best job in the world!"
"Recently I moved to a new company in Wales and I have started to take my mountain leader award so that I can take groups out away from the purpose built wall at the centre."
 Camp Counselor Country: USA Work in a US Summer camp with CCUSA teaching the sport/activity that you love and get paid up to US$1,390. You could be coaching Tennis, Basketball, Climbing, Horse riding, Sailing and much more, or maybe you have a lifeguarding qualification. Whatever your skill we’ll find the perfect job for you...[more] |  Single Pitch Award (SPA) Country: UK The Single Pitch Award is the Nationally recognised, governing body award for adults wishing to supervise others on single pitch crags and climbing walls. During SPA Training, you will learn how to become an effective supervisor, encourage others to enjoy their climbing safely, and will...[more] |
Climbing and Walking Courses
Sea Cliff Climbing Location: Wales Company: Ascent Training
This two day course is designed for climbers who are lead climbing at VS standard or above, in the mountains or valley crags, but have never climbed on the sea cliffs around the British coast.
Introduction to Rock Climbing Location: North West UK Company: Ascent Training
This two day course is aimed at people who have never climbed before. A great introduction to the sport covering bouldering, single and multi pitch climbing.
Climbing Wall Supervisor Location: East Anglia Company: Eaton Vale Activity
This award is recognised by all Local Education Authorities in the Eastern Region and was developed in conjunction with the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. Basic climbing and belaying experience is a prerequisite.
SPA Training Location: Scotland Company: Lochgoilhead Centre
This 2 day course trains you to supervise people on single pitch crags and climbing walls. You will learn group management, crag etiquette, and much more. Please note, this course does not include the assessment.
Summer Mountain Leader Location: Scotland Company: Lochgoilhead Centre
This 6 day course for hill walkers wanting to lead others on the mountains of the UK in summer conditions. Please note, this course does not include the assessment.