Trail Leader Qualification worth it?

Dirtydog11

I was just wondering the value of a trail leaders Qualification, has anyone got one and gained work from it.

If I where to gain the qualification what doors would it open for me in terms of work both abroad and here at home in the UK.

I would really like to here from a qualified leader who could give some advice.

Cheers DD

trailpuppet

depends on what type of work you are looking for?

If guiding abroad then fitness is probably a bigger issue imo :roll: some countries such as France require a lot more than SMBLA/MIAS type qualis. Been lots of discussions on this subject over the years on singletrackworld.

You might like to look at; http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/coaching level 2 and then add on the new mtb award.

I have the SMBLA MTBL award + http://www.cyclingscotland.org/cycletrainer.aspx

I am a volunteer leader with; http://domain2570134.sites.streamlinedns.co.uk/

With these qualis I do some vulunteer skills training with my local Ed dept in primary schools. I could get paid for this if I wanted to. Just do it for fun

For work info try mailing Alan at; http://www.sierracycling.com/ he was looking for a guide earlier in the year

Herbie The Dog

I'm MIAS level 2 and make some cash from guiding and skills coaching. Not enough to make a decent living but I know people who have less commitments than me (and therefore more time) who do OK.

Once the taxman has his slice I make enough to cover my yearly biking costs and get a new bike every couple of years.

If I had the time and less commitments there's enough of a market to go full time.

GiantMike

Herbie The Dog wrote:

Once the taxman has his slice I make enough to cover my yearly biking costs and get a new bike every couple of years.

If you're paying tax on bike-related earnings, presumably your bike purchases are tax-deductable?

Dirtydog11

Thanks for the replies chaps and sorry for the delayed response.

I suppose I'm fed up with the day to day 9-5/shift routine and am looking for a little more adventure/excitement from life, my usual job is 1st line IT support.

I'm currently unemployed and job prospects aren't great. For example I have an interview for a telephone sales position in a bedding factory tomorrow, pays £8.00 an hour, hardly inspiring is it?

What I was hoping was that a Mountain leader qualification would be enough get me some work abroad. The plan would be to work abroad or in the UK for the riding season and take up a temporary position during the winter.

I have no responsibilities as such and could jump on a plane with little or no notice.

@Trailpuupet

You might like to look at; http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/coaching level 2 and then add on the new mtb award.

That ^ sounds like a plan and it looks like there's funding available. I imagine it would certainly carry more weight than the Mountain leader qualification on its own.


Certainly fitness would be an issue depending on what the daily requirements/ work rotas, would I be expected to do 5 days on the run or would it be 2 on 2 off to allow for recovery?

Its all a bit of a pipe dream at the moment I just don't want to fork out several hundred pounds for a qualification that leads to nothing.

Thanks again

trailpuppet

Almost end of season for foriegn guiding I reckon so you have time to get fit and qualified.
Where do you live? google for your nearest mtb skills provider and ask them what they would be looking for in a guide. I reckon you would be expected to be able to ride 5days/wk and be able to fix broken bikes and bodies once the ride is over.
Locally could you go self employed and offer guiding(when qualified) ? Offer your services to you local council?

It is something I would look at if I became unemployed/redundant having already made a few contacts. The problem is the difference between volunteering and then asking to be paid may mean my services could be dispensed with :roll: atm I have the offer of a council car to get to out of town venues, that is onec my broken hand has mended.
There is also the large number of people returning or begining to cycle due to the Cycle to Work scheme. A good number of these riders might benefit from some training and C2W route planning.Another avenue to pursue imo.
By joining a local club you may be able to get part funding for any training. Maybe from job centre if you come up with a business plan?http://www.cyclewildscotland.co.uk/courses.htm