It’s more than a job at Lakeside
At YMCA Lakeside we provide high quality residential and day experiences to over 12,000 people each year. When our customers visit Lakeside they overcome challenges, defeat fear, develop relationships and build the skills and character traits that serve them throughout life.
We’re a happy and hard-working team with a focus on delivering enjoyable and challenging programmes that change young people’s lives for the better. Based on the south western shores of Lake Windermere, in 100 acres of private woodland, we provide high-quality outdoor adventure holidays and development programmes for schools, youth groups and corporate clients and families.
We make the most of our natural location, offering more than 50 water and land-based activities ranging from sailing and kayaking to fell walking and abseiling. If you’re interested in joining us for the season or if you’re looking for a career at Lakeside, please browse our current vacancies.
Current Vacancies
-
Seasonal Instructors - x 12
Seasonal Instructor -Outdoor Education
37.5 hours per week
£24,375.00 per annum (pro-rata)
Subsidised accommodation is available
Funded NGB Qualifications – Shores of Lake Windermere – Training and Experience
Join our team to deliver inspiring outdoor learning programmes and springboard your career
We will provide the opportunities and experience to support your professional development, with individual personal progression plans, a specific mentor, along with funded training and assessment opportunities to gain further qualifications. You will join a like-minded and adventurous team who play an important role in changing young people’s lives. You will be part of creating inspirational pathways and opportunities, opening doors and fostering positive access to high quality outdoor learning. Working for us means making a positive difference – helping children and young people of all levels of ability and backgrounds to fulfil their potential through enjoyable and safe outdoor education programmes.
If you have a minimum of 1 years’ experience with at least one National Governing Body assessed qualification and one training completed from the list below, with the potential to progress further with the right support, we welcome hearing from you. Upon starting employment, you will need to have an in-date 16 hr Outdoor First Aid certificate.
· Paddle Sport Leader (UKCC L1 Coach) with personal performance award (old 3*) · Rock Climbing Instructor
· RYA Dinghy Instructor with Safety Boat
· Summer Mountain Leader · Level 1 Cave Leader
· Outdoors based Certificate, Diploma or Degree PGCE, APIOL, Level 3 course / apprenticeship
The role
- Provide inspirational, safe, high-quality instruction and outdoor learning
- Take a lead in course directing schools’ programmes
- Join the Duty Team to ensure safe and secure residential stays
- Getting stuck into all the numerous small but important jobs which make our outdoor education courses so successful
This job is for you if…
- You are passionate about creating great experiences for children and young people in the outdoors
- You are friendly, enthusiastic and hardworking
- You are a resilient and confident team worker who can also work unsupervised using your own initiative
- You can show a commitment to gaining the assessments / training listed above, as appropriate
- You have experience of working in the Outdoor Education sector
- You are able to work flexibly including some evenings and occasional weekends
- You are available from early March 2026 until end of October 2026.
For further information and to complete an application form for the above role, please visit
https://www.ymca-fyldecoast.org/about-ymca-fylde-coast/careers-at-ymca-fylde-coast/
Job Reference – 827LAKE
Closing date for the role is Friday 31st October 2025 by 9:00am. Applications submitted and/or received after this time will not be considered.
Please note, that due to the high volume of applications we are currently receiving, we are only able to contact candidates who are successful in progressing to the next stage. If you have not been contacted within 14 working days of submitting your application, please consider you application unsuccessful at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
Latest News & Events

What visitors are saying about their YMCA Lakeside experience in Summer
At YMCA Lakeside, we’re proud to provide unforgettable residential experiences where young people grow in confidence, develop new skills, and […]

Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Visit YMCA Lakeside
“What we wanted for our students was a residential which allowed them to be a little bit outside their comfort […]

Jacob Flockhart, Outdoor Instructor on Lakeside’s HAF Programme
In our HAF funded outdoor day camps, children aged 7–15 are immersing themselves in a week of nature‑based fun, exploring […]

Windermere Dragon Boat Regatta Raises Funds and Community Spirit
The first Windermere Dragon Boat Regatta, held on 12 July (2025) at YMCA Lakeside, brought together teams, spectators, and volunteers […]
Quick Links

About
We’re a centre of excellence in outdoor learning.

Careers
It’s more than a job at Lakeside. Take a look at our current vacancies.

Book Online
You’ll find Lakeside nestled in 400 acres of private woodland along the south west shore of Lake Windermere.

Enquire Now
Planning a visit or want some more information? Get in touch with us here.
