Derwent Hill occupies a beautiful 28-acre estate in Portinscale, bordered by the River Derwent and overlooking Derwent Water, one mile from Keswick. We are owned and operated by Sunderland City Council and have been in operation since 1962. We were one of the first local authority outdoor education centres in England.  

 We provide high quality residential outdoor education courses for schools, colleges and youth groups as well as corporate training, team building events and group accommodation for adults. Our approach is based on professional informality, and we pride ourselves on our flexibility, homely atmosphere, good food and inspiring setting. 

If you would like an informal chat about our current vacancies or about working at Derwent Hill, please email us at [email protected].

Current Vacancies

Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprentice (Starting in September 2026)

Are you looking to kickstart a career in the Outdoor Industry? Why not come and work for us and gain a qualification! 

Sunderland City Council has a strong commitment to apprentices and training. As an Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprentice, you will be provided with unparalleled support throughout the duration of your programme. This is a residential post so you will have the opportunity of living and working at Derwent Hill Outdoor Education and Training Centre in the Lake District National Park. 

 You will develop the skills you need for the job by working alongside Derwent Hill’s Outdoor Education Tutors, gaining hands on experience and working towards an Outdoor Activity Instructor, Level 3 qualification and relevant National Governing Body awards.  

 What you will be doing: 

• Assisting colleagues with the delivery of high-quality outdoor education and training courses for the young people of Sunderland 

• Contribute to the maintenance and up-keep of outdoor activity equipment  

• Supporting the venue staff with preparing the building for incoming courses 

• Contribute to a rota of evening and overnight on-call duties supporting clients on residential courses 

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of the children and young people that visit the centre 

 What we’re looking for: 

• A passion for working with young people 

• Initiative and the ability to work well in a team 

• The ability to build strong relationships with a variety of customers 

• A willingness to work on multiple tasks and projects 

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn 

• Ability to communicate effectively  

• A genuine interest in developing a career in the outdoors 

 What we offer: 

• A structured apprenticeship programme with full support from a trained assessor to complete the qualification 

• A workplace and developmental mentor to provide on-going support 

• Access to numerous training and development opportunities 

• On-going support and encouragement from a knowledgeable and friendly team 

• A range of benefits that promote wellbeing and help you thrive – at work and in everyday life 

 Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our City! 

 Previous experience of, and a genuine interest in outdoor activities is required. This will ensure that you are able to make the most from the comprehensive training package you will receive.  

If you are interested in this role, please refer to the job description and person specification provided on the North East Jobs Portal.

Apprentice Outdoor Activity Tutor – Sunderland City Council – North East Jobs

 For an informal discussion about this post please contact the team on 01768772005  

 Please note – Due to the nature of the work involved in this post, applicants need to be 18 years of age or above to apply. 

 For further assistance contact Operational HR Services by Telephone: 0191 561 1755. Email: [email protected] Please note that CV’s are not acceptable. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.  

 Please be advised if you have not heard from us in six weeks after the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted. 

Associate Tutors (Freelance)

We are interested in hearing from freelance tutors who are passionate about outdoor education and training to join our established team. You must be able to work on your own initiative and with a variety of different clients including school pupils of all ages and recreational groups. The centre is open seven days a week with a greater concentration of available work at weekends. You should be available for periods of work throughout the year, particularly between April and October, and to undergo a period of induction. As an Associate Tutor you must be registered self-employed and have your own indemnity insurance.

In return, we offer a great working environment with competitive rates of pay (currently £130 per day with additional payments for evening work).

Please send your CV to [email protected]

Qualifications

Essential
Mountain Walking Leader Award (Summer)
Single Pitch Award
UK CC or BCU level 2 in both canoe and kayak (please get in touch if you have other paddle-sport qualifications)
Minibus driving entitlement (D1 or PCV)
Indemnity insurance for £5 million

Desirable
Mountain Leader Winter
MIA
BCU level 3 in either canoe or kayak
RYA Dinghy Instructor
Safety Boat Award
MIDAS (or similar)

Knowledge

Common venues in the Borrowdale area
Planning and reviewing activities

Experience

Working with young people in Outdoor Education
Using high and low ropes courses and problem solving apparatus