Providers & professional associations

Training Providers

Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction. Here are some that the BMC works with:

Mountain Training

Mountain Training’s aim is to educate and train people in walking, climbing and mountaineering. They have a range of nationally-recognised mountain leadership, instruction and coaching awards, as well as skills courses.

Plas y Brenin

Nestled deep in the heart of Eryri/Snowdonia, Wales Plas y Brenin has been running courses and holidays in outdoor activities, introducing newcomers to the outdoors, helping outdoor enthusiasts improve their outdoor skills and training outdoor instructors for over 60 years. Courses cover a wide range of activities including hill walking, rock climbing, mountaineering, scrambling, mountain biking, road cycling, white water kayaking, sea kayaking, canoeing and first aid.

Glenmore Lodge

Located in the heart of the Cairngorms, Glenmore Lodge is Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, providing personal skills and qualification courses of all levels in over 10 different disciplines.

Active Partnerships

Active Partnerships are local sport and activity partnerships based in each county of England offering training for coaches/instructors and for club members. Courses include volunteer training, first aid, working with young people, child protection & safeguarding.

The Outdoor Partnership

Based in North Wales, the Outdoor Partnership provides support to individuals and clubs engaged in outdoor activities.

Professional Associations

If you’re looking to start a career in the outdoor industry, or already have professional qualifications, professional associations are a great way to stay in touch with developments in the industry, develop yourself and your skills, and network with others in a similar field.

There are four professional associations in the UK relevant to outdoor qualifications. They run continual professional development workshops for their members to keep up to date with current good practice, and their websites provide useful information outlining the type of work their members undertake.

Mountain Training Association for trainee and qualified candidates across all schemes.

Association of Mountaineering Instructors for trainee and qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors.

British Association of International Mountain Leaders for trainee and qualified International Mountain Leaders.

British Mountain Guides for holders of the IFMGA Guides carnet.

Their websites include lists of members holding qualifications, so are a good place to start if you're looking for an instructor.