Outdoor Mentors & Active Support Staff Location: Preston, Walton-le-Dale, and surrounding areas
Contract: Flexible Day-to-Day Supply & Long-term roles available
Ideal for: Outdoor Instructors, Fitness Coaches, DofE Leaders, and Ex-Services
The Role: Bring the "Great Outdoors" Energy to the Classroom Are you someone who thrives in active environments but is looking for a more stable career path? Do you have experience leading groups in challenging settings and want to use those skills to support the next generation?
Tradewind Recruitment is looking for resilient, energetic individuals to work in Secondary Schools and Alternative Provisions across Preston and Walton-le-Dale.
We have found that candidates with "outdoor" backgrounds whether that’s climbing instructors, sports coaches, or forest school leaders possess exactly the kind of presence and leadership that students in Preston need.
How Your Skills Transfer * You’re used to managing safety and engagement in high-energy environments.

* You can handle the "indoor weather." If you can lead a group through a rainy hike, you can navigate a busy school corridor.

* You are a natural problem solver who can pivot a session when things don’t go to plan.

* You understand that students learn best through action, movement, and mutual respect.

What We Offer * Ultimate Flexibility: Work on a Day-to-Day basis to suit your lifestyle, or let us find you a Long-term role in a single school for more stability.

* No Seasonal Layoffs: Schools run all year (term-time), providing more consistency than many outdoor roles.

* Local Work: Roles available right now in Preston City Centre, Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge, and Leyland.

Your Responsibilities * Student Mentoring: Working 1:1 with students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.

* Engagement: Using your personality to keep "hard-to-reach" learners focused and motivated.

* Behaviour Support: Spotting "triggers" and using your de-escalation skills to keep the environment calm.

* Cover Support: Stepping in to lead a class or an activity session when a teacher is absent.

What We Need From You * Experience: Some history of leading or coaching young people (coaching, youth work, or outdoor centres).

* The Right Attitude: You must be proactive, reliable, and willing to get stuck in.

* Clearance: An Enhanced DBS check is essential (we can help you apply for one if you don’t have it).

* Location: Ideally based in or near Preston or Walton-le-Dale.

Apply Now Ready to take your skills into a new arena?
To Apply: Send your CV to or call our Preston desk on to discuss how we can get you started in a local school this week (click apply).
Tradewind Recruitment is a Sunday Times Top 100 employer. We believe in your transferable skills and provide the training to help you succeed in education.