How do I become a shooting instructor?

Tuition
JOHN BIDWELL says: As far as I’m aware there aren’t any apprenticeships currently available that lead to an instructor’s qualification. But don’t let this put you off.

At the very least, write a letter of application to established shooting schools around the country to find out if they have any jobs available. You might be lucky.

If you are, chances are you will be expected to start as a groundsman helping out with day-to-day chores like filling traps and keeping the ground neat and tidy. This though, is a good training regime.

Gradually you will find your feet and, hopefully, show an aptitude for coaching. If so, you will get the necessary training – but it will take time.

Another avenue open to you is to attach yourself to a local gun club and become a trained coach under a number of different organisations. The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation are just two that run specialist courses for aspiring tutors. With time served and experience under your belt, you will probably find it easier to get a full time coaching job with a recognised ground.

Who knows? – if you’re good enough you might even find sufficient customers at a busy local gun club to make a living.


Got a question? Contact: sportinggun@ipcmedia.com or Sporting Gun, PO Box 157, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 9FU