Expedition Leader requirements

Expedition Leaders need to fulfill the following requirements...

Please note - We now currently have a limited number expeditions available for this coming summer and are only able to consider applications that fully cover all of above criteria including ML assessment.


Required qualifications for Leaders

  • Technical qualifications vary depending on the destination but generally we look for a minimum of Walking Group Leader (WGL) or Mountain Leader Award (ML)
  • For destinations where paddling is part of the itinerary, the Expedition Leader will also hold British Canoeing Union (BCU) level 3 or above

There are several stages to becoming a WGL and an ML Award holder, firstly you need to have 12 months or more experience in hill walking/rock climbing. You will then need to register with Mountain Leader Training (MLT) and complete the relevant specific training course. After you have attended the training course you will need to complete a consolidation period. The exact period of time, personal skill development and group supervision practice will be different for each candidate. When your experience level is appropriate you will then complete your assessment and hopefully become an award holder. After assessment award holders need to have continual experience within the remit of their assessment.

British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the representative body that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers and is a great reference point for anyone interested in becoming more involved in this area.

The BCU is the leading body for canoeing and kayaking in the UK. To find out more about paddling qualifications please  visit the BCU website.

Links –
http://www.mlte.org/
http://www.thebmc.co.uk/
http://www.bcu.org.uk
http://www.mlta.co.uk/

Professional development courses 



Required experience for Leaders

It is essential that our Leaders have proven experience on expedition and working with young people (generally 13-19 year olds). They will have working knowledge of child protection issues, group safety and dynamics. Understanding the dynamics of how young people learn and develop is an essential part of being an Expedition Leader. Often our Leaders will come from a variety of backgrounds working with young people ranging from full time teaching to outdoor instructing to a military career.

Starting out in this area can be tricky and will take perseverance, dedication and motivation. Starting roles may be similar to the following:
  • Working a season for an outdoor company
  • Shadowing leaders leading groups on the hill
  • Volunteering with local youth groups

From this point experience can continue and be developed.

World Challenge's affiliate company, Adventure Quest offers seasonal opportunities for entry level positions working with young people in an outdoors environment. For further information about these positions, please contact Laura Offless: loffless@world-challenge.co.uk.  



Developing world travel experience

All of our Expedition Leaders will have travelled, either leading groups or independently, in developing countries. This can be gained by independent travel or being an Expedition Assistant (please see our Expedition Assistant Leaders page for more details).

Maturity
Our Expedition Leaders will be well balanced, stable individuals who are able to show maturity in their attitude towards their responsibilities. They will recognise the level of responsibility they hold and their position as a role model to those in their care.

Skills
All of our Expedition Leaders will have excellent communication and facilitation skills, with boundless amounts of motivation and patience. These skills will be developed along with quality youth work experience, using tools and techniques to maximise the opportunity for the personal development of the participating young people. Motivation and patience are personal qualities that an Expedition Leader must possess to enable them to be successful in the position.


 

Find out more

T +44 (0)1494 427600
E findoutmore@world-challenge.co.uk
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Find out how to launch an expedition