Celebrating Snow Camp’s Ongoing Partnership with SDC Learn

How vocational training and life skills help shape brighter futures for young people

At Snow Camp, every partnership is driven by one clear purpose: helping underrepresented young people gain confidence, life skills, and qualifications that lead to brighter futures.

While we’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Coach Core for our England apprenticeship programmes, we’re equally proud to continue our long-standing collaboration with SDC Learn, our trusted training provider for the Scottish Apprenticeship Programme.

The Snow Camp Apprenticeship has never been just about snowsports. It’s about youth development through sport, supported by high-quality, accredited training that prepares young people for work, further education and independent living. Through our partnership with SDC Learn, young people are gaining the tools they need to thrive, on and off the slopes.

A partnership built on people and purpose

SDC Learn is owned and led by Michael and Sarah, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who bring warmth, passion, and professionalism to every part of their work.

Michael was the very first tutor on Snow Camp’s apprenticeship programme in Scotland back in 2018. We fondly remember meeting both Michael and Sarah for the first time, captured in a treasured photo with our inaugural cohort of Scottish apprentices. It’s a moment that highlights just how deeply SDC Learn has become integrated into our journey ever since.

Five people stand smiling in front of a historic stone building under bright sun, possibly celebrating a partnership or event. The group includes both men and women in smart-casual attire, suggesting a formal but friendly occasion.

In 2019, Kym was the first Snow Camp apprentice to complete their educational training through SDC Learn. One of our proudest moments was capturing a photo of Kym holding her certificate. A true milestone in her journey and a powerful symbol of what this partnership enables.

A young woman stands outdoors in front of leafy greenery, smiling while holding a certificate from the Modern Apprenticeships program in Sports Coaching. She wears a navy Snow Camp T-shirt.

As the organisation has grown, so too has its dedicated team. Today, our apprentices are supported by the brilliant Martin, a tutor known for his approachability, energy, and commitment to helping young people succeed.

Laura, our Scotland Program Manager, expresses it perfectly:

“SDC Learn have been with us every step of the way since launching the Scotland apprenticeship back in 2018. The support our apprentices receive while working towards their qualification is honestly second to none. 

It’s really easy for me as their line manager to know exactly what stage they are at with their work due to the fantastic communication from the team. They are so approachable and make it really accessible for our apprentices to learn- especially since a lot of our apprentices have previously not engaged well at school. 

SDC Learn takes the time to find out what style of learning works for each individual apprentice, and adapt to ensure every single one is supported through their SVQ. I would not hesitate to recommend SDC learn as a training provider!” – Laura.

Why SDC Learn matters: Holistic training that complements snowsports

practicing techniques and engaging in a group session. One boy at the front smiles and holds a black bucket, possibly used in a game or exercise.

SDC Learn plays a central role in the Snow Camp Apprenticeship Programme by delivering the vocational learning that complements our snowsports instruction.

This includes:

  • Tailored learning plans for each apprentice
  • Functional skills training in maths and English
  • Leadership and customer service development
  • Support to achieve qualifications such as SVQ Level 2 in Sports Coaching

With SDC Learn as a training provider, our apprentices gain not only technical skills, but also the practical knowledge needed to thrive in the workplace or further education. Their contribution enhances every element of our wraparound support.

Building life skills for young people: The bigger picture

Five young people wearing ski gear stand at the bottom of a dry ski slope, holding skis and snowboards and smiling for the camera. Two are wearing helmets, indicating a training or coaching session.

What makes SDC Learn such a powerful partner is their belief in a person’s potential. They understand that our Snow Camp Apprentices may be stepping into the world of work for the first time, or returning to education after some time away. Their tutors meet our young people where they are, working at their pace, in their style.

  • Confidence-building: Through workshops and one-to-one sessions
  • Goal-setting and personal development: Empowering young people to shape their own future
  • Wellbeing-focused support: Recognising the emotional side of personal growth

This holistic approach echoes our Snow Camp values: supporting the whole person, not just their performance.

Take Milana, one of our Scotland Snow Camp Youth Forum members, who says:

“The support I received during my apprenticeship with SDC was great. Martin was always incredibly supportive and full of helpful ideas, especially when I was finding things challenging. He was patient, understanding, and a huge help when it came to completing my assignments.” – Milana.

Milana has now accepted a chalet hosting role with Summit Chalets for winter 2025/26, and we can’t wait to see how she gets on! 

Celebrating impact in Scotland and beyond

While our new partnership with Coach Core supports England-based apprentices, SDC Learn remains a cornerstone of our work in Scotland.

Since 2018, their team has been delivering education and life skills training as part of the Snow Camp journey, bringing deep regional insight, a learner-first approach, and years of experience working with young people from diverse backgrounds.

Five individuals, including four young adults and one older man, stand in front of a black BMW with a sign reading “SDConsultancy Skills • Development • Careers” displayed in the back window. They appear to be part of a youth development initiative.

Through this long-standing partnership, countless young people in Scotland have been supported through qualifications, personal growth, and pathways into work or further training. Many describe their time working with SDC Learn tutors as a key turning point, helping them gain confidence not only in the classroom but in themselves.

Apprentices leave the Snow Camp programs with more than just a BASI Level 1 qualification. They also gain practical life skills, workplace knowledge, and a sense of belief in what’s possible for their future.

Recognising the role of training partners in youth development through sport

Five young people wearing ski gear stand at the bottom of a dry ski slope, holding skis and snowboards and smiling for the camera. Two are wearing helmets, indicating a training or coaching session.

Apprentices may have originally joined Snow Camp to try skiing or snowboarding. But it’s the wraparound support, life coaching, and employability training that changes lives the most. That’s where partners like SDC Learn shine.

Their tutors:

  • Guide people through tough subjects with compassion
  • Help to translate sport-based learning into workplace skills
  • Create a community where learning feels personal, not pressurised

These are the same values that sit at the heart of everything Snow Camp does. Whether it’s the first time strapping into skis or the first time writing a CV. Our young people are supported along every step of their journey.

Grateful for the support that makes this possible

We couldn’t do any of this without our partners and supporters. To SDC Learn, we are deeply grateful for your belief in young people and for your dedication to helping them succeed. Their expertise and empathy have helped transform Snow Camp apprenticeships into one of the most impactful youth programmes in the UK.

If you’re reading this as a supporter, donor, or follower, thank you. Every contribution, every share, every pound helps us continue this work.

And if you’re a young person considering Snow Camp, we’re here for you. With trusted partners like SDC Learn beside us, your journey is in good hands.SDC-Learn-Logo