Inductions for NICAS Personnel

Coaches at a NICAS workshop sitting around a table, reviewing climbing logbooks and educational materials. A facilitator hands out booklets, with colorful charts and climbing resources spread out on the table.

All coaches and staff who deliver NICAS sessions at an accredited centre are required to complete an induction. Our inductions can be delivered online or as part of a face-to-face workshop.

NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering

There are two main types of induction for the NICAS Climbing and NICAS Bouldering schemes:

NICAS CDT-hosted induction

  • CDT-hosted inductions (previously known as “Tier 1” inductions) are facilitated by a member of our Coach Development Team (CDT).
  • CDT-hosted inductions are mandatory for Course Directors, Assistant Course Directors, Technical Advisors, Competent Persons, and external/freelance coaches.
  • Other coaching staff, admin staff or individuals supporting an accredited centre application are welcome to book onto this induction.
  • These inductions are offered online via Zoom as a 3-hour webinar.
  • Cost: £29.99+VAT per person.

In-house induction

Course Directors or Assistant Course Directors who have already received an induction from the NICAS Coach Development Team will then need to run an in-house induction for all coaches who will be delivering NICAS sessions.

NICAS Clip and Wild Climbers

If you’re an existing accredited centre running NICAS Climbing or NICAS Bouldering, the Course Director plus any Assistant Course Directors will need to complete a separate NICAS Clip or Wild Climbers induction hosted by the NICAS Coach Development Team (CDT), then run an in-house induction for other coaches, before starting to deliver NICAS Clip or Wild Climbers sessions at your centre.

  • CDT-hosted inductions are mandatory for Course Directors and Assistant Course Directors overseeing these schemes, plus external/freelance coaches running NICAS Clip or Wild Climbers sessions.
  • Other coaching staff, admin staff or individuals supporting an accredited centre application are welcome to book onto this induction.
  • These inductions are offered online via Zoom as a 2-hour webinar.
  • Cost: £19.99+VAT per person.

If your centre does not deliver NICAS Climbing or NICAS Bouldering, you will need to book an annual workshop for coaches to deliver NICAS Wild Climbers or NICAS Clip.

Face-to-face workshops

  • If you would prefer to book a bespoke on-site workshop, including any necessary inductions for your coaching team, please contact us to discuss your requirements and check availability.
  • Workshops are hosted by a member of our Coach Development Team.
  • Usually run from 10.00am to 4.00pm, but timings can be discussed with your trainer.
  • Up to 9 participants
  • Cost: £250+VAT per day

Further info about inductions

  • Our inductions may count towards CPD for members of the Mountain Training Association. Find out more about recording externally recognised CPD.
  • We encourage Course Directors, Assistant Course Directors, Technical Advisors and Competent Persons to attend a NICAS-hosted induction every 3 years. Please contact NICAS if you are unsure whether a refresher is necessary.
  • If you are a Course Director or Assistant Course Director and your last induction was before April 2017, you will need to book a new NICAS-hosted induction.
  • If your centre runs multiple schemes (e.g. NICAS Bouldering plus Wild Climbers), you will require multiple inductions: one for NICAS Climbing/Bouldering, plus additional induction(s) for Wild Climbers and/or NICAS Clip.
  • Freelance coaches must receive an induction from the NICAS Coach Development Team.
  • In-house coaches require a documented in-house induction or refresher every 3 years.
  • If you can’t find an induction at a time that works for you, contact us to request a bespoke online induction. We usually charge based on a minimum of two people.