Wages and Qualification Payments
PGL is renowned in the outdoor industry for providing thousands of people with their initial gateway into a life long career of working with children. We have developed a nationally recognised and certified qualification programme to support staff in their first year of working with PGL, covering every role and every department.
Most UK positions are based on a 42 hour, 6 day week. In France and Spain all positions are based on a 48 hour, 6 day week. Depending on your role, you may be expected to do wake up duties or evening entertainments but it is very rare that you’ll be required to start work before 8am or work later than 9pm.
PGL Apprentice Staff
The PGL Apprenticeship Scheme provides an industry-leading package of training, support and qualifications, enabling people to join the PGL staff team at a range of experience levels.
If you are new to the industry/role or you have limited previous experience you will join on the first level of the PGL Apprentice Scheme. This is a nationally recognised and certified qualification programme awarded through the Open College Network.
Our expert trainers will give you all the skills, confidence and and role-specific training needed to successfully start your employment with PGL.
As an Apprentice, you'll have the opportunity to earn while you learn and, in addition to your weekly wage, you are offered free meals and have the option to live on-site for a highly subsidised cost of just £31.57 per week. PGL will take care of your utility bills and Council Tax. You will also receive your PGL uniform free of charge.
Weekly wages vary depending on the nature and location of your job role.
In the UK, France and Spain, the four-weekly Apprentice allowance for activity staff ranges between £470-£570* (*depending on qualification payments).
All Activity Apprentice staff working in the UK, France or Spain will receive £470, paid four-weekly, plus qualification bonus if applicable.
All Catering and Support Apprentice staff working in the UK will receive £530, paid four-weekly and in France or Spain will receive £470, paid four-weekly.
As well as an industry-competitive four-weekly allowance, all first year PGL Apprentices are provided with highly subsidised on-site accommodation, based on deductions of £31.57 per week with free utilities and three, free cooked meals a day.
Activity Instructors working at our Pontin's implant centres will receive an increased Apprentice wage of £614.28 paid four-weekly to account for the centres being self-catering. On-site accommodation is available at a highly subsidised minimal charge of £31.57 per week; utility bills are taken care of by PGL. Staff working at these sites will also benefit from substantial discounts in the on-site restaurants.
Qualification Payments
As you’ll read in our training section, PGL trains and qualifies hundreds of staff each year in a wide range of sports and activities. However, if you join PGL having already gained some key National Governing Body qualifications, you may be entitled to qualification payments as follows:
A £20 - £100 bonus will be paid four-weekly with your wages, if you hold any of the following qualifications prior to starting your PGL training course or employment*
UK-based roles
Level 1 Bonus: £20 Payment
BCU Trainee Level 2 Coach.
Level 2 Bonus: £40 Payment
UKCC Level 1 Coach (BCU), BDA Basic Helm, RYA Safety Boat.
Level 3 Bonus: £60 Payment
RLSS Pool or Beach Lifeguard, OTC Coach Level 1 (MTB)
Northern France-based roles
Level 1 Bonus: £20 Payment
BCU Trainee Level 2 Coach.
Level 2 Bonus: £40 Payment
UKCC Level 1 Coach (BCU), BSA Speedsail.
Level 3 Bonus: £60 Payment
RLSS Pool or Beach Lifeguard, BCU Level 2 Coach.
Southern France or Spain-based roles
Level 1 Bonus: £60 Payment
RYA Safety Boat, UKCC Level 1 Coach (BCU), First Aid at Work, OTC Coach Level 1 (MTB).
Level 2 Bonus: £80 Payment
BCU Level 2 Coach, RLSS Pool or Beach Lifeguard, RYA Level 1 Windsurf Instructor, UKCC Level 2 (BCU) without 4*.
Level 3 Bonus: £100 Payment
RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA Level 2 Windsurf Instructor, BCU Level 3 Coach, MTLB SPA Assessed, UKCC Level 2 (BCU) with 4*.
*The qualification payments will only be awarded if it is directly relevant to your job role. You will not be entitled to multiple qualification bonuses.
What if I gain NGB qualifications during my first year?
If you gain your qualifications as a result of a PGL funded Training Course, qualification payments are not awarded in your first season. However, if you return to PGL for a subsequent season the qualifications you previously gained will be eligible for qualification payments.
What about next season?
The first part of PGL’s Apprenticeship scheme will be completed during your first season. The four-weekly wage for a returning member of staff working in the UK (including qualification payments) in 2010 will range between £811-£974.40.
Qualified and Experienced Staff
PGL is keen to welcome qualified and experienced members of staff as we recognise the contribution they can make to our operation. Experienced or pre-qualified staff joining PGL may be asked to use their skills and experience to support the development of new staff and act as a mentor for those following the Apprentice programme.
A new member of staff holding one of the following qualifications or demonstrating a wide breadth of experience in a similar role can expect to earn a four weekly wage of between £800-£947.
BSA Surf Coach Level 1, BCU Level 2 Coach, BCU Level 3 Trained Surf Coach, BCU UKCC Level 2 Assessed, Drivers entitled to tow vehicles or carry passengers (either through having your D1 endorsement or passing your driving test prior to 1997).
Specialist Staff
Field Studies Instructors will receive £550 paid four-weekly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £31.57 per week; utility bills are taken care of by PGL.
Language Counsellors working at our language-specialist centre, Chateau du Tertre will receive £566 paid four-weekly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £31.57 per week; utility bills are taken care of by PGL.
Tour Leaders working at our educational tours-specialist centres Chateau de Grande Romaine or Chateau d'Ebblinghem will receive £514-£554 (depending on the level of your language fluency) paid four-weekly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £31.57 per week; utility bills are taken care of by PGL.
We offer a competitive wage and benefits packages for our Chefs and Head Chefs which vary depending on the size of the centre's catering operation.
Senior Staff / Managerial Positions
It may be that you have set your sights on a senior position with PGL, in which case, your employment package will reflect the nature of the role you do. We will take into account factors such as the specialist skills or experience required, the number of people you manage, the amount of autonomy you have, the number of guests and the complexity of your role.
It is true to say that we’ll expect a lot from you; but in return we’ll provide you with an employment package that demonstrates our commitment to you and your development. Some senior roles may be available on a permanent basis. Senior benefits may include entry to the PGL pension scheme, bonus payments, discounted travel and free/discounted PGL holidays for friends and family.