One of Britain’s top outdoor experts has today urged students to mind the gap by ditching the traditional year-out to become a professional adventurer instead. Ant Eddies-Davies who has helped navigate tourist trails in some of the remotest parts of the world said today learning to work in the outdoor industry was the best and cheapest way to travel. His comments come as the cost of taking a gap year soars following the Brexit vote and fall in the value of the pound.
Ant, who runs Live The Adventure one of the leading training centres in the country boasting more than 27 years of experience, is keen to offer an alternative way to fund the stereotypical back-pack trip of a lifetime.
The team has launched an exclusive and intensive Outdoor Instructor Training programme, designed to give participants all the skills they need to work as outdoor instructors.
He said he has seen an increase in the number of 18 and 21-year-olds enquiring about the courses and signing up following their studies.
“As an alternative to bar work this is a much more appealing way to fund travel, to really see and experience the world with skills that last a lifetime and help to boost your own health and well-being,”he added.
“It is also proving a popular graduation gift with parents who want to encourage their children to see the world and have a taste of adventure but like the idea this could help fund the trip. It means they also can establish a connection to a reputable adventure company in the country they are travelling to before they even leave home. This industry is growing and developing all the time with more work opportunities now available.”
A recent National Student Money Survey estimated students were having to scramble together, on average, in the region of £3000, just to merely get through their gap year never mind travel to the far flung corners of the world.
The survey, carried out by finance site Save The Student, also revealed students were facing average monthly bills of just under £800 to cover basic rent and living costs.
Live the Adventure offers a five-week intensive course, a nine-week course or a combined course for novices through to more experienced instructors including accommodation.
Courses include certification in climbing, navigation, first aid, water sports, canoeing, power boating, water rescue and rescue boat courses.
“Students are having to scrimp and save more and more these days but they still want to travel and so they should. It is the best kind of life experience they can get and will be of added benefit to any career they might eventually choose,” added Ant.
“But a gap year should be all about enjoyment and adventure, rather than financial worries or concerns. A job working in the outdoors is the perfect way to achieve just that balance. The courses also offer another option to students who don’t see university life as something for them and want to avoid racking up substantial debts from tuition fees.
“We offer all the expertise and experience you need for training in this industry but also links to adventure companies throughout the world and top tips from some of our previous graduates who have gone on to work overseas.”
