Supporting apprentices’ mental health and wellbeing: CPD for Level 3 Outdoor Activity instructors at Sportscape Education
At Sportscape Education, we are committed to ensuring our apprentices develop not only the technical expertise required for their qualifications but also the personal and professional skills that will carry them forward in their careers.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a vital part of this process, helping our learners to go beyond the classroom and gain insights that make them more confident, capable, and resilient.
Recently, apprentices enrolled on the Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor programme, took part in a CPD session focused on mental health and wellbeing, delivered by our Apprentice Liaison Officer, Ed Parrish.
The session at Mount Cook Adventure Centre encouraged apprentices to reflect on the importance of maintaining their own wellbeing while also developing the skills to support others.
In a demanding sector such as outdoor activity instruction, professionals often work in fast-paced, physically challenging environments where resilience and a strong mindset are essential.
By raising awareness of mental health, the session gave apprentices practical strategies to cope with stress, maintain balance, and build positive routines.
“Looking after your mental health is just as important as developing your technical skills. If apprentices can build positive habits and resilience now, they’ll be better prepared to thrive in both their professional and personal lives,” said Ed.
Equally important was the emphasis on communication and empathy.
Future outdoor instructors will often find themselves leading groups, managing different personalities, and responding to the needs of participants.
Understanding how mental health can affect individuals enables apprentices to offer better support and create inclusive, safe environments where everyone can thrive.
For Sportscape Education, CPD opportunities like this form a key part of our apprenticeship programmes.
They add an extra layer of depth to the learning journey, helping apprentices prepare not only for assessment but also for the realities of working in the industry.
We are proud of the way our apprentices engaged with this important topic and look forward to building on these sessions in the future.
By embedding wellbeing into training, we are equipping the next generation of outdoor activity instructors with the tools they need to succeed both professionally and personally.
