Site navigation

Professional Qualifications

Progression to Instructor

As a Centre which is based around volunteer staff, we are always looking for new ideas, and people to help. It is for this reason that we are able to offer a fantastic progression scheme for people looking to stay within sailing. We believe that sailing makes an impact on people's lives and we aim to give people the opportunity to share their enthusiasm with others.

The Berkshire Sail Training Centre has opportunities available for people to show their commitment and passion for sailing to other people both young and old. Our volunteers help in whatever capacity they can.

Helpers are keen sailors without formal instructional qualifications that are willing to give up their time to help others. This may be helping with the sailability group, becoming a trustee, helping with centre administration or just doing some volunteer maintenance to help keep the centre and its boats looking nice. If you have some spare time, talk to jean and see how you could help?!

Assistant Instructors and Instructors are people keen to share their knowledge with others. There are different ways to become an instructor. If you are a good sailor and a good communicator then a RYA 5 day Instructor course could be just the ticket. This would give you the opportunity to teach in a formal environment at any RYA recognised centre. This could include taking a gap year between sixth form and university and going to work abroad (mmm ... maybe the Caribbean or the Mediterranean!). Or you could decide to make it a full time job at one of the many year round multi-activity centres around the country. It's your life! Live a little!

Details can be found below about RYA Instructor courses being offered at the centre.

If on the other hand you would like to become a volunteer instructor for BSTC we may be able to help. Every year we run a winter training scheme for people interested in becoming either an Instructor or Assistant Instructor. The winter training scheme operates from the beginning of November till the end of March every Saturday afternoon. Students are taught practical sailing skills, sailing theory and background knowledge, and communication skills during this time. If the student wants to become an Instructor, the instructor course, powerboat and 1st aid courses are also organised at a subsidised rate. There is a small charge for winter training but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. All we ask is that after completing the winter training with us you volunteer to help for 25 days per year for 2 years. But of course you are always welcome to volunteer for longer!

Unfortunately we are not always able to except everyone who shows and interest in winter training, so it is advisable to call or pop in and discuss how you may be able to help and how we could help you.

After gaining an Instructor certificate there is still further progression to be had. There are endorsements to be gained such as Racing Instructor and Advanced Instructor. There is also the opportunity to become a Senior Instructor or even a Coach. These qualifications require time, experience and commitment but can lead to full time jobs within the Outdoor Industry and look very impressive on you CV

As a Coach, Jean is very well informed about the progression paths available through the RYA and the Berkshire Sail Training Centre and is happy to guide and assist people in anyway she can.