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At Snow Camp, we’re all about transforming the lives of young people through snowsports. But did you know that beyond the slopes, we also offer award-winning apprenticeship opportunities? This programme is a vital step in supporting young people on their journey towards finding fulfilling careers in the snowsports industry and beyond.
The Snow Camp apprenticeship programme is designed for young people aged 16-21 who have completed our core training programmes, including First Tracks, Graduate, and Excel. This programme provides an incredible opportunity for participants to take their passion for snow sports to the next level.
For many young people, the idea of a career in snow sports may seem out of reach, but our apprenticeship programme changes that. What makes it truly stand out is that it’s not just about gaining work experience; it’s about creating a sustainable career pathway. The programme is nationally recognised and has even won awards for its success in empowering young people to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Apprentices have the opportunity to earn while they learn, developing a wide range of professional skills across areas such as customer service, retail, snow sports instruction, and hospitality.
This programme helps young people build the confidence, skills, and industry connections they need to find their place in the world of snow sports. Whether they’re interested in becoming a ski instructor, working in retail, or exploring roles in hospitality, Snow Camp apprenticeships provide the perfect stepping stone towards a rewarding career.
For many young people, Snow Camp’s apprenticeships are a stepping stone to a long-term career in the snow sports industry. The transition from a participant in Snow Camp’s initial training programmes to a fully-fledged apprentice marks the beginning of a professional journey that can lead to many different avenues.
Our apprenticeships offer:
In addition to technical skills, apprentices gain a deep understanding of the snow sports industry, learning everything from operations to guest services. These skills make them highly employable not just in the UK but across the globe in ski resorts, sports retail, and adventure tourism industries. The combination of practical work experience and formal qualifications sets Snow Camp apprentices apart, ensuring they have the best possible foundation for future success.
The British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) is a cornerstone of the Snow Camp apprenticeship programme, providing our apprentices with a pathway to achieving their BASI Level 1 Instructor qualification. This certification is highly regarded within the snow sports community and is essential for anyone looking to carve out a career as a ski or snowboard instructor, whether in the UK or abroad.
BASI’s training programme goes beyond just technical skills; it equips our apprentices with a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities that come with being an instructor. Participants learn the fundamentals of snow sports teaching, including effective communication techniques, safety protocols, and how to create engaging lesson plans tailored to various skill levels. This robust training ensures that apprentices are not only capable instructors but also leaders on the slopes.
In addition to the technical training, BASI strongly emphasises fostering a professional mindset. The organisation instils in its trainees the confidence and leadership skills essential for thriving in a teaching role. Apprentices learn how to motivate and inspire their students, adapting their teaching styles to meet diverse needs and learning paces. This approach prepares them for the dynamic environment of ski schools and snow sports instruction, where the ability to connect with learners is crucial.
BASI also provides ongoing support and professional development opportunities for its members. This means that once our apprentices complete their Level 1 certification, they have access to a community of fellow instructors and resources for further training and growth. Many go on to pursue additional BASI qualifications, opening doors to advanced roles in ski instruction, such as Level 2 Instructor, which significantly enhances their employability and career prospects.
Through our partnership with BASI, Snow Camp apprentices are not just receiving a qualification; they are embarking on a journey towards becoming skilled, confident instructors in the snow sports industry. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing young people with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive field, empowering them to turn their passion for snow sports into a fulfilling career.
Channel Training plays a pivotal role in the success of the England-based Snow Camp apprenticeship programme. As a dedicated training provider, Channel Training is committed to equipping our apprentices with the essential skills they need to thrive in the snow sports industry and beyond. Their comprehensive training programmes focus on a range of key areas, including customer service, functional skills, and leadership development.
One of the standout aspects of Channel Training is their tailored approach to learning. They understand that each apprentice comes with unique strengths and challenges, and they work closely with individuals to develop personalised training plans that cater to their specific needs. This level of attention ensures that apprentices gain the confidence and competence required to excel in their roles.
In addition to foundational skills, Channel Training delivers nationally recognised qualifications, which enhance the employability of our apprentices. By providing them with the knowledge and certification needed for roles in customer service and leadership, Channel Training prepares them not just for jobs in the snow sports sector but for a diverse range of career opportunities.
Moreover, Channel Training’s commitment to real-world application means that apprentices don’t just learn theory – they also get to apply their skills in practical settings. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between learning and real-life work experience, ensuring that apprentices are well-prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the industry.
With Channel Training’s support, Snow Camp apprentices leave the programme not just with qualifications but also with the practical skills and industry knowledge necessary to navigate their career paths confidently. Their collaboration with Snow Camp underscores the importance of high-quality training in shaping the next generation of snow sports professionals.
Snow Camp apprenticeships wouldn’t be possible without the support of our industry-leading partners. These partnerships provide young people with invaluable hands-on experience in real-world settings. Each partner offers something unique, contributing to the programme’s diversity and impact. Here’s a closer look at a few of the apprentice placements in detail:
Ellis Brigham – Snow Camp apprentices have the opportunity to work in Ellis Brigham’s shops, where they develop expertise in retail and customer service. Apprentices learn about the latest snow sports equipment and clothing, gaining valuable knowledge they can pass on to customers. This placement is perfect for anyone who wants to combine their love for snow sports with a career in retail. With Ellis Brigham’s long-standing reputation in the UK snow sports retail market, this experience is a fantastic addition to any CV.
Inghams – Over the past two years (and again this winter!) Inghams hosts a week-long insight experience for our Apprentices in Val d’Isère to learn about what it takes to work in the mountains! This incredible week is also supported by Jamie Nicholls, our fantastic Snow Camp Ambassador and professional snowboarder, who shares his knowledge and passion for snow sports with the young people. Inghams’ commitment to supporting Snow Camp extends beyond apprenticeships, offering young people a taste of the resort lifestyle early in their snowsports journey, which is an unforgettable and inspiring experience for many.
Halsbury – Snow Camp’s partnership with Halsbury goes beyond traditional placements. Each year, Halsbury hosts ‘A day in the industry’ for our England-based apprentices, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes workings of the snowsports travel industry. On this day, apprentices get a firsthand look at what it takes to organise school and group trips, from initial planning and logistics to the customer service and operations required to deliver a seamless snow sports experience. It’s an immersive day that allows apprentices to develop valuable industry insights and skills.
But Halsbury’s support doesn’t stop there. They also play a key role in organising and supporting the Independent School Ski Championships, which take place every December. This high-profile event is a fantastic opportunity for Snow Camp to be involved in competitive snowsports, and this year, we’re thrilled to have four young skiers, two staff members, and one of our apprentices, Robin, attending. Robin will be learning the ropes of what it takes to be a rep during the Championships, gaining real-world experience in event support, coordination, and guest relations – critical skills for anyone interested in working in the snow sports travel industry.
Halsbury’s involvement with Snow Camp is more than just about placements; it’s about offering apprentices practical experiences and mentorship that equip them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the industry.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our apprenticeship programme is seeing how it transforms lives. Many of our apprentices have gone on to find full-time roles in the industry, either through our partners or other organisations. The journey from apprentice to professional is always inspiring.
Each apprentice brings their own unique strengths to the programme, and many return to Snow Camp as mentors or ambassadors, helping to inspire the next generation of apprentices.
If you’re a business or organisation interested in supporting Snow Camp’s award-winning apprenticeship programme, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you can offer placements, provide training, or simply wish to support the programme financially, your contribution could make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. Together, we can continue opening doors for the next generation of snow sports professionals.
To discuss any opportunities with the Snow Camp team, email dan.k@snow-camp.org.uk, who will be happy to hear from you!
Our award-winning apprenticeship programme is opening doors for young people aged 16-21 to move from training to meaningful employment. Thanks to partnerships with BASI, Channel Training, and leading companies across the industry, we’re providing life-changing opportunities for the next generation of snowsport professionals.
