I am a budding Sailor/Windsurfer/Kayaker but have no qualifications will HOAC help me become an instructor?
HOAC's team of instructors have a wealth of knowledge between them, and they are often willing to use the centre's facilities on their evenings off to help new keen watersports enthusiasts. If an instructor show's the enthusiasm and drive they can quickly get themselves experienced enough to attend and pass an instructor course.

How much will I get paid?
The table below details HOAC's pay structure. All instructors get paid monthly at the end of each month - by cheque or by electronic transfer.

Salary scale for seasonal instructors (per week)

Definitions
Very exceptional experience: At the discretion of the Centre Principal. Will be dependant on further qualifications and relevant experience.
Returning Staff: Staff who have previously completed a seasonal contract (min 3 months) are entitled to this bonus increment if they return to work following season(s). (i.e. £5 for returning for 2^nd season, £10 for 3^rd season etc.)
Attendance Bonus: Based on attendance upto £10.00 per 'full week' worked may be paid at the end of the contract.
Performance Bonus: Based on performance upto £10.00 per 'full week' worked may be paid at the end of the contract
Full Week: A week where you have worked all your shifts without being late or having time off for any purpose other than pre-authorised leave 

How many hours do I have to work?
A normal week at HOAC is 9am through to 5pm. At weekends the centre operates from 10am-5pm. Instructors work a 6 day week. In the summer (May-August) there may be evening work. In which case - there will be an entitlement of two days off. Over the season a weeks work averages out to be 40 hours - however this maybe more during the busy summer months (although it doesn't exceed 48 hours).

Below is a sample two week time table for an instructor.

No! We do have a campsite which some groups use (guides, scouts etc) however this is run on a completely self-sufficient basis, with groups having their own first aiders etc.

Can I work overtime?
HOAC does offer some overtime during the summer months - however this is limited to a few extra sessions a week to try to stop our instructors working too hard!! Instructors will be paid overtime (currently £34 per session). This is paid a month in arrears with your normal pay. Overtime is entirely voluntary.

Will I have any leave?
Leave accrues at 2.5 days per full month worked. Over a season this can add up to a long holiday. Leave is granted to fit in with centre requirements and is unlikely to be given during the summer holiday period.

What will I be expected to do as an Instructor?
As well as instructing, a HOAC instructor works in a team environment to help ensure that everything runs smoothly. This may involve site work, equipment repair or building new activities. Although HOAC employs dedicated cleaners, instructors may on occasion be asked to help out. However instructing takes up the main part of the season.

I haven't got any relevant qualifications can I still work for you?
Yes, we take on trainee instructors each season. During the season you will get training towards NGB qualification like BCU 1* & 2*, RYA Sailing Level 1 & 2, RYA Safety Boat, RYA Start Windsurfing. These courses are the first steps to becoming a watersports instructor. Training will also be provided for our site specific team building activities and our climbing and high ropes facility. In exchange for this training you will be expected to take responsibility for the centre cleaning. This usually takes 1-2hrs and the rest of the day will be spent instructing (once qualified) or doing site work with the rest of the team. 

Where will I Live
The majority of instructors that work the season at HOAC opt for our on-site caravan accommodation. This consists of 10 bedrooms shared between 3 static vans with 2 lounges, 3 kitchens and 3 toilets/shower rooms. The accommodation provides all the essentials for instructors to live for the season.
• Each van is provided with cooking implements, cutlery and crockery.
• Residents provide their own bedding.

How much does it cost?
The accommodation is included within the contract (please see the job descriptions for more information), with an extra £20 p.w. taken as a deposit to secure against breakages or poor cleanliness. It is returnable at the end of residency.

Can I move in early?
The majority of contracts start on a Monday - instructors are able to take up residence from the Saturday before they start on the Monday. 

What else is in the area?
HOAC is situated in the Green belt. However London with all of its attractions, museums and nightlife is only a short tube ride away.

       » Climbing - Brunel Climbing wall, Westway Climbing Centre
          and Amersham Wall are all very close
       » Kayaking - a variety of weirs (Chertsey, Hurley, Shepperton)
          are all close to HOAC.
       » Sailing/Windsurfing - apart from our own lake - Queen Mary/
          Datchet are all close
       » Uxbridge - hosts plenty of shops, pubs, restaurants, cinema,
          etc.

I'm Interested what do I do now?
Send a CV and covering letter to Neil Maddock at;

By Mail:

    HOAC
    Dews Lane
    Harvil Road
    Harefield, Middlesex
    UB9 6JN

By Email:
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If your application is successful we will contact you to invite you in for an interview.