About me

Way back in the mists of time, I was a member of my local scout group, this was my introduction to outdoor pursuits: fell walking, climbing, caving, camping and kayaking. These activities have stayed with me for life and were a boon when I went on to teacher training college where over 30 years ago I trained as a PE teacher but made a career switch into youth work.

As a youth worker I have used my outdoor skills working with young people, and over the years have developed coaching skills and qualifications gaining BCU coaching awards for kayak and canoe, orienteering coaching awards, Mountain leadership awards, climbing awards, and mountain bike leadership awards.

Maintaining national governing body awards has meant that I, like others, have had to keep up to date with first aid skills, which led to me becoming a first aid trainer, certificating through a leading organisation that specialises in outdoor first aid qualifications. Since becoming a full time first aid trainer, my skills and experience have meant that I now evaluate other first aid trainer’s courses and offer help and support to other trainers.

Alan has been working for Outdoor Activities Service and Alternative Adventure for over 14 years now.

Alan is the holder of the:-

Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor.
NNAS Bronze, Silver and Gold course director/ tutor.
MT Summer Mountain Leader Award
BCU L3 Coach - Kayak
BCU 4* Kayak
BCU L2 Coach - Open Canoe
BCU Canoe Safety Test
BCU 3 Star Open Canoe
Archery GB Instructor Award
First Aid - First Person on Scene, Enhanced (FPOS E), Medicine in Remote Areas (MIRA)
SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader
MT Climbing Wall Award
16 hour Outdoor First Aid
External Verifier
MTA Member

Alan, along with other OAS staff, attends seminars and training offered by professional bodies including BMC, MTA, IfOL, NICAS and in-house staff development days.

Alan runs his own business delivering First Aid courses. http://www.astraining.org.uk/