Course overview
Do you love the outdoors? Not working yet but want high-quality outdoor instructor course and qualifications to get you the best jobs? Our outdoor instructor training programs are designed for students who know they have an interest and a passion for working in the outdoors and want high-quality industry-ready training.
You’ll learn about outdoor instruction techniques and skills, learn about safety management systems within organisations and how to run safe, enjoyable and meaningful outdoor experiences for others. As well learn about and apply teaching pedagogy, leadership theory, program design and reflective skills. This course is a stepping stone into the Diploma of Outdoor and Adventure Education (Level 5) and is aimed at students who want to increase their skills and knowledge to take the next step in their outdoor education career.
What you'll learn
- Manage yourself safely while participating in rock climbing, bushwalking and sea kayaking while accounting for equipment, weather, local conditions, logistics and safety management
- Understand and apply principles of physical and psychological health in order to enhance performance, personal competence and safety while participating in a range of outdoor activities
- Introduce students to the principles of Maori guardianship of the natural environment, apply principles and framework of Kaitiakitanga taking into account respect for the Tikanga and kawa of local iwi and/or hapü
- Understand and apply leadership theories to develop personal leadership experience and group leadership experience in a range of outdoor activities
- Understand and apply outdoor safety management systems and the appropriate responses needed to an outdoor emergency care situation
- Plan, prepare and lead outdoor activities in low-risk, low-technical outdoor environments, under direct supervision
- Lead activities in low-risk, low technical outdoor environments including an understanding of planning, logistics and programming to meet group learning outcomes
Recognition
Fees Free Study
You may be eligible for one or two years of fee-free study with this course. Check your eligibility at feesfree.govt.nz
You may be eligible for Fees Free study in this course
Study method
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Locations
- Auckland
Duration study load
- 38 weeks full-time (4 days per week on campus with supported online learning) – 120 credits
- Each week will include a combination of classroom and outdoor learning. The classroom work will be based in Mt Albert and the outdoor activity learning will be in Auckland/Northland and Waikato regions. We will provide transport for off-site events
- Work experience in developing industry connections as an integral part of building a career in the outdoors. This program includes opportunities to meet future employers, to work with them so that you can get to know them and they can get to know you
Entry requirements
Academic achievement
- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Experiences (Level 3) or
- New Zealand Certificate in Assistant Outdoor Leadership Level 3 or
- Comparable Level 3 qualification or 24 credits at NCEA Level 1; including 12 credits in English or Te Reo Maori; or a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above; or equivalent
Assessment
The programme utilises a portfolio of evidence that students construct using a variety of assessment types and provide evidence of students’ achievement of the learning outcomes. The purpose of the portfolio of evidence is to build, track and measure progress along the way as well as the final outcome. The use of a portfolio of evidence as an assessment tool is an alignment to real-world expectations, i.e. the collection of evidence, often through projects, to demonstrate achievement.
Materials
Equipment
You will need to have their own personal outdoor equipment including trapping boots, waterproof jacket, thermal clothing. We can support students with technical equipment such as bikes, kayaks, climbing and some tramping equipment. We can provide advice for students purchasing their own equipment.
Transport and Accommodation
All transport for practicals in the field is provided. You are responsible for getting yourself to our campus. Accommodation during field trips and practicals is provided, you will provide your own food.
Delivery
- Blended delivery is made up of a variety of delivery components, generally incorporating flexible learning opportunities that are supported by technology. At AdventureWorks, flexible learning refers to learning that takes place in the students’ choice of time and place
- Each week will include a combination of classroom and outdoor learning. The classroom work will be based in Mt Albert and the outdoor activity learning will be in Auckland/Northland and Waikato regions. We will provide transport for off-site events
Career Outcomes
This qualification will provide opportunities for graduates to gain employment in roles where they will be leading in low-risk and low technical dynamic environments pursuing further on-the-job training or continuing to further tertiary training.
Subjects
The programme comprises the following modules:
- Adventure leadership fundamentals (15 credits)
- Kaitiakitanga and environmental eductaion (15 credits)
- Bushwalking (15 credits)
- Sea Kayaking (15 credits)
- Leadership and bushwalking (15 credits)
- Facilitation and experiential learning theory and practice (15 credits)
- Adventure skills (15 credits)
About AdventureWorks
We are proud to be Auckland's only education provider delivering industry-ready training and qualifications for outdoor professionals. We are in a unique position to be a Tertiary Training provider AND a provider of outdoor education services to schools, community groups and incorporates. We know what it takes to be successful in this industry, our staff are actively involved in the industry and can provide you with the best training, experience and guidance in your own journey to become an outdoor professional.
