SU Scotland Instructor Development Programme na Scripture Union Scotland

Instructor Development Programme, SU Scotland Centres

SU Scotland 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, each with its own starting point and unique growth opportunities.

As part of a centre community, you will have on the job experience in the day-to-day operations of our centres and the chance to work with children and young people, while developing essential skills in outdoor instruction.

Who we are:  

Scripture Union Scotland is a registered charity that aims to see every child and young person in Scotland explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.  Our centres regularly host school groups participating in residential experiences, youth groups enjoying weekend breaks and a variety of SU Holidays.   We aim to enable our guests to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, develop new skills and work together with a focus on building good relationships.  

Intern Programme

This is a 1 year voluntary programme providing a stepping stone to a career as a Christian outdoor instructor. To qualify for this programme:

• You’ll have worked with children and young people in a couple of different settings
• You’ve enjoyed taking part in different outdoor activities
• You are connected with a local church and regularly read the Bible and meet up with other Christians
• You have a desire to help children and young people enjoy the outdoors and explore the Bible for themselves

What will the training look like?

You will 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 will be ready to apply for the Trainee Instructor programme.

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

What will SU Scotland provide?

Food and accommodation at one of our centres, training and mentoring as part of the team.

Trainee Instructor Programme

This is a 2 year programme for those who are ready to take on more responsibility and begin working towards National Governing Body qualifications. To qualify for this programme:

• You’ll have worked with children in young people in a variety of different settings, including organising and delivering activities for them
• You have engaged with a variety of outdoor activities, taking responsibility for planning and organising some adventures and/or trips
• There is evidence of Christian growth through how you make choices about your life and you are happy to talk about your faith with others
• You have a desire to help children and young people enjoy the outdoors and explore the Bible for themselves

What will the training look like?

Over the two years, you will 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.
As the instruction programme progresses you will begin to lead sessions with increased responsibility.

What will SU Scotland provide?

A monthly salary, accommodation at one of our centres and training and mentoring as part of the team.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking applicants who have a desire to work with young people and have a track record of engaging regularly in sport and fitness. You should have an interest in adventurous outdoor activities (e.g. trail biking, climbing, paddle sports, hill walking) and some previous experience of working with young people.  You will also need to be prepared to be outdoors whatever the weather and use some of your free time to actively work on skills development.

For these posts, 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 applicants 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. 

Please take a moment to read SU Scotland's Basis of Faith and Ethos statement. (Once you've read through, just click the back button in your browser to return to this page). We ask all candidates to confirm their willingness to uphold the beliefs and practices contained in these documents as part of the application form.

If you have any questions related to the role, please contact Fraser at [email protected].  Alternatively contact us at [email protected]. 

Closing date: 4pm, 4 March 2026

Interview: 16/17 March 2026. This is a 2 day selection process.

Start date: August 2026