Former Trainee Instructor, George has known from a young age that he would follow a career in the outdoor industry. When he joined this year's traineeship, he was already qualified in many watersports disciplines but with a desire to gain further land-based qualifications - all with the aim of one day, running his own outdoor activity centre.
George's love for watersports started at the age of 12 and has continued throughout his career – “I’ve spent my whole life on the water – I’ve sailed the channel twice.” Following his GCSEs, he continued with his A-Levels, studying Economics, History and Psychology - a far cry from the career path he has chosen. “I didn’t know back then that I could do a diploma courses like they offer at Rockley College.”
Previously the Centre Manager at Rye Watersports where he worked for nine years, George was looking for something different when he came across the opportunity to join Rockley’s Traineeship. He was considering a few options but having done his RYA Dinghy Instructor with Rockley back in 2018, he was aware of Rockley and their reputation.
Already qualified as an RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurfing Instructor, RYA Senior Instructor and Wing Foil Instructor, he now has his Paddlesport Instructor and a whole range of land-based qualifications.
Asked whether he felt he had an advantage over the other Trainees because of his qualifications and experience, George said: “Maybe a slight advantage but I’ve learnt so much from the Rockley Coaches and I was able to help the other Trainees. We all got on so well!”
Following the Traineeship, George stayed on a season working for Rockley across all three of their centres, putting what he had learnt into action! As for what’s left to do now? “For me now it’s about personal development and gaining further qualifications in the more advanced modules.”
George is clearly loving his life in the outdoor industry with his dream goal of one day running his own centre, something we believe he will most definitely achieve!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROCKLEY'S TRAINEE INSTRUCTOR SCHEME STARTING 17TH MARCH 2024