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.
All positions with PGL are based on a 42 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 34 week programme is a nationally recognised and certified qualification awarded through the National 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 well as an industry-competitive monthly allowance, all PGL Apprentices working in the UK are provided with highly subsidised on-site accommodation, based on deductions of £33.11 per week with free utilities and three, free meals a day, seven days a 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.
For staff working in the UK, the monthly Apprentice allowance for activity staff ranges between £516-£602* (*depending on qualification bonus, if applicable). You will receive free meals.
For our activity staff based at centres in France and Spain, the monthly Apprentice allowance ranges between £372-£481* (*depending on qualification bonus, if applicable) plus free meals and accommodation as a benefit in kind.
All Catering and Support Apprentice staff working in the UK will receive £581, paid monthly plus free meals.
Working in France or Spain
All staff working at our centres in France and Spain in their first season will receive a minimum base wage of £372 paid monthly into a UK bank account, with free accommodation and three meals a day, seven days a week as a benefit in kind. In addition, you may be eligible to receive an additional salary payment for qualifications every month, where applicable.
Staff members returning for a subsequent season will receive more than this base wage.
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 additional salary payments for qualifications as follows:
An additional £40 - £100 will be paid monthly with your wages, if you hold any of the following qualifications prior to starting your PGL training course or employment*
UK-based roles
Study Course Instructors (Field Studies, Science, Maths) with a relevant degree: additional £80 payment every month.
Northern France-based roles
Language Reps, Tour Leaders: additional £40 payment every month.
Southern France or Spain-based roles
Pool Lifeguards holding RLSS award: additional £80 payment every month.
Sailing Instructors holding RYA DI or SI Award: additional £100 paid every month.
Windsurfing Instructors holding RYA Start Windsurfing or Intermediate Windsurfing Award: additional £100 paid every month.
Canoe or Kayak Instructors holding UKCC Level 2 Assessment: additional £100 paid every month.
Activity Instructors (climbing-specialist) holding MLTB SPA Assessment: additional £100 paid every month.
*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 PGL Apprenticeship scheme takes 34 weeks to complete so depending on the length of your contract, it's possible to do this within your first season, meaning you will go straight onto our experienced staff wage. The monthly wage for an experienced member of staff working in the UK (including qualification payments) for 2012 ranges between £906-£1106.
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 specific qualifications or demonstrating a wide breadth of experience in a similar role can expect to earn a monthly wage of between £906-£1106.
Accommodation is available on site for £33.11 per week and a comprehensive meals package is available for just £38 per week - that's three meals a day, seven days a week, all cooked and washed up for you!
Specialist Staff
Field Studies Instructors will receive £602 paid monthly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £33.11 per week; utility bills are taken care of by PGL.
Language Representatives working at our language-specialist centre, Chateau du Tertre will receive £481 paid monthly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £33.11 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 £416 paid monthly plus free meals. On-site accommodation is available at a minimal charge of £33.11 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.