Always thought about it but never done it? Here’s how to join the wonderful world of Mountain Training.

Since the beginning of January you’ve been reading a series of articles from Mountain Training about the full spectrum of awards and what people do with them. If you’re feeling inspired and like the idea of coaching climbing at your local wall, leading groups in the mountains or taking people ice climbing, it’s time to think about doing one of our awards.

What’s the right award for you?
If you want to run particular activities for someone else, find out from your employer or operating authority if they require you to hold any Mountain Training awards.

If you’re doing it for your own benefit, think about which award will give you the skills to do what you want, then take a look at the information on the website about each of the schemes. You may need to plan a pathway through some of the awards to achieve your final goal.

If you’re struggling, give Mountain Training a ring to discuss the right starting point for you. For example, depending on your previous experience you might benefit from doing a Mountain Skills course before registering for the Mountain Leader award, or you might be in a position to go straight to Mountain Leader training.

Are Mountain Training skills and awards just for full time outdoor instructors?
No. Our skills courses are ideal for anyone with an interest in hill or mountain walking, whilst our leadership awards are equally useful for parents, youth workers, volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award leaders, outdoor instructors, teachers, guide/scout leaders and mentors, to name but a few. Plus there’s an increasingly large list of ‘indoor’ awards, specifically related to climbing, which require a significant amount less waterproof clothing than some of the other awards!

Mountain Training’s awards can also provide an opportunity to spend a week or a few days developing your skills for personal use. Some people register for a scheme and attend a training course with no intention of continuing to assessment; however, the option is always there to complete the award in the future.

How to register…
Visit the Mountain Training website and create an account on our Candidate Management System.

Register for a scheme (cost varies from £17 - £70 depending on the scheme and your age).

Find a training course with one of our approved Providers and book onto it.

Remember
Everyone starts their Mountain Training journey somewhere different and for different reasons. Once it’s started, you’re in control and it’s up to you what happens next. Best case scenario: new friends, great memories, new skills, a sense of achievement and a lifetime of new and exciting challenges.

This article is part of a series of articles celebrating Mountain Training’s 50th anniversary year in 2014.

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