Member Article

New Instructor Qualification Programme for Snowsport Scotland

This week Snowsport Scotland is announcing its all new instructor qualification programme which includes the introduction of a new ‘Assistant Instructor’ qualification providing a fantastic opportunity for younger individuals, and those living with a disability, to become involved in teaching snowsports.

This exciting new move will provide individuals with the opportunity to gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience which can then be used as a head start to eventually gain Instructor and Advanced Instructor qualifications. Once completed, the qualification allows those aged 14 years plus to instruct novice skiers and snowboarders at indoor and artificial slopes within Scotland (under the supervision of a fully qualified instructor aged 18 years and over).

The Assistant Instructor course in particular is also ideally suited for disabled members who would like to, not only develop their personal skills in skiing and snowboarding, but also share their passion and knowledge of snowsports by helping to instruct others.

The ‘Assistant Instructor’ qualification will run alongside the brand new ‘Instructor’ and ‘Advanced Instructor’ qualifications which have been introduced to bolster the number of suitably qualified instructors to teach on snow in Scotland. The new instructor qualifications have been designed to meet the needs of the consumer and snowsports providers by training and developing individuals who wish to both develop their personal skills and share their knowledge of snowsports with new or existing participants as part of a Scottish Snowsports School or other body who oversees the activity.

The first course for the Instructor Qualification, which is open to all aspirant instructors, begins 31st October 2015 and - to assist further in catering for a broader group of people - is available in a range of flexible delivery options including weekends only and over longer time periods so that interference with school, university, child care etc. and other commitments are kept to an absolute minimum.

Speaking of the new qualification programme, Neil MacGrain, Coach Education Manager at Snowsport Scotland commented “Our main focus at the moment, in terms of instructor qualifications, is meeting the needs of the marketplace. Our aim is to ensure that there is a sustainable pathway of instructors so that business needs can be met whilst providing a strong training mechanism to further develop instructor skills. I think allowing individuals to teach from a younger age can harness their enthusiasm whilst it’s there and set them on the path to advanced teaching, providing us with highly experienced and qualified instructors in the long run.”

Snowsport Scotland is currently in the process of establishing courses for late 2015 and 2016 and is looking forward to what the new programme will bring. Jane Campbell Morrison, CEO of Snowsport Scotland said: “It’s a great pleasure for Snowsport Scotland to be able to service the Scottish facilities with these qualifications. Our plans are to build a robust and sustainable programme of high quality instructors, to build a bigger participation scene in Snowsports Scotland and to then support Athletes to achieve World Cup and Olympic status – exciting times ahead!”

If you’re interested in any of Snowsport Scotland’s Instructor Qualifications more information, along with pre entry requirements’, can be found by visiting the Snowsport Scotland website and following the ‘Become an Instructor’ tab.

As the National Governing Body for all snowsports in Scotland the organisation is responsible for building and supporting a world class, national coaching structure, developing and nurturing top athletic talent and providing the competitive area for athletes of all levels from beginners to the podium placed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Scarab4 .