Part 2 of the Apprenticeship Series
Behind every successful apprentice is a network of people who guide, mentor and champion them. At the Field Studies Council, our Trainee Tutor Coordinator plays a central role in helping trainees grow in confidence, develop new skills and feel part of a supportive professional community.
In this second part of our Apprenticeship Series, we spoke with Becky, our Trainee Tutor Coordinator, about what mentoring means to her, what she looks for in new trainees and the moments that make her proud.
What do you enjoy most about mentoring Trainee Tutors?
“The most rewarding part of my role as the Trainee Tutor Coordinator is opening doors for people eager to start their career in the outdoors. I love being able to provide that first opportunity and then watching their confidence grow as they progress through their training.”
What’s one piece of advice you give to every trainee at the start of their programme?
“I always tell our trainees that outdoor education is more of a lifestyle than a typical job. While the long days with residential groups are demanding, they are also where the magic happens. You’re providing young people with life-changing outdoor experiences they might never have had otherwise, and that makes every hour worth it.”
What’s a proud moment you’ve had with this year’s cohort?
“I’m particularly proud of how this year’s cohort has integrated into the Field Studies Council community. From networking with past trainees at the Slapton Ley seminar to receiving peer-to-peer mentorship from former trainees and other experienced members of staff, they’ve experienced firsthand the strength of our professional network. Seeing that cycle of support come full circle has been a standout moment for me.”
What makes someone stand out during the application process?
“Our application process is competitive, so to stand out on paper, you need to be really familiar with our criteria and provide concise, punchy examples of your experience. During the in-person interviews, we look for more than just skills—we want to see you engage. Those who stand out are the ones who are open and honest about their experiences, dive into team games, contribute to informal discussions, and show they can be reflective after a task.”
Supporting the next generation of outdoor educators
Becky’s insights highlight the heart of our apprenticeship programme: a supportive, encouraging environment where trainees are given the space — and the confidence — to grow. From their first day to their final assessment, our trainees are surrounded by people who want to see them succeed.
If you would be interested in becoming a Trainee Tutor, we encourage you to sign up for job alerts so you can be the first to know when we are next advertising these positions.
In the final part of this series, we’ll explore where an apprenticeship can lead, featuring real career journeys from former apprentices who now work across the Field Studies Council.