Depending on the specialisations chosen, this qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in:
Guiding outdoor recreation activities in an uncontrolled environment
It requires technical knowledge of the outdoor recreation activity to be transferred to allow individuals to safely participate in the outdoor activity. It does not provide the skills and knowledge to impart the required level of technical knowledge and expertise to allow participants to independently undertake outdoor recreation activities.
A guide operating in an uncontrolled environment has the skills, knowledge and experience that enable them to work independently within a variety of settings and contexts that may be complex and non-routine.
Instructing outdoor recreation skills
An instructor has the skills, knowledge and experience to facilitate skill transfer or development to clients in order that they may participate independently (or with minimal supervision) in outdoor activities. This requires the instructor to be able to:
transfer required technical skills and knowledge to participants
apply a variety of appropriate instructional strategies
critique participants technique
assess participants skill and knowledge acquisition during and at the end of a program or session
In all cases those with this qualification would be managing expected and unexpected situations with considerable autonomy. Leadership, guidance and supervision are involved when organising activities of self and others, as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature. Work would be performed in field locations with varied contexts requiring contingency planning and in differing environments such as water-based, dry land and mountainous terrains, using a diverse range of equipment.
Job roles
The following are indicative job roles for this qualification:
outdoor guide (uncontrolled environment)
outdoor instructor.
Subjects
31 units must be completed:
15 core units
16 elective units, consisting of:
all the units in any two of Groups A to AAK, or
all the units in any one of Groups A to AAK and all the units in any one of Groups AAL to AAX
the remaining to make up the required 16 elective units from the General electives, or any of the above groups; up to 5 of these remaining units may be selected elsewhere in SIS10 or any current accredited course or other Training Package, and must be first packaged at AQF level 2, 3 or 4.
In all cases selection of electives must relate to the core function or role of the candidate's current or intended work environment, local industry requirements and the characteristics of this qualification (as per the AQF descriptors).
This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this qualification by persons without prior outdoor recreation industry experience or formal qualifications is not recommended.
Examples of sufficient relevant skills and knowledge for entry into the qualification may include:
Previous qualification at the AQF level below
Previous experience in the outdoor recreation industry and interest in outdoor pursuits
Entry into this qualification and progression between qualification levels will be based on the professional judgement of the RTO, in consultation with the individual.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills
QUALIFICATION SUMMARY
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by the outdoor recreation industry for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on packaging options.
Employability Skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:
Communication
Communicating with clients and colleagues to determine and interpret their specific requirements; providing precise location and situation information in case of emergency situations, documenting outdoor recreation activity programs; effectively using body language and demonstration to reinforce technique instruction; delivering feedback on client technique; addressing client needs to ensure a positive recreation experience.
Initiative and enterprise
Identifying and discussing a range of activity or program enhancements to improve client satisfaction and organisation or facility sustainability; engaging colleagues in sharing work-place knowledge; reflecting on own instructional practices for improvement; supporting the implementation of environmental management practices; monitoring activities and programs for emerging risks.
Learning
Identifying and accessing sources of research on outdoor recreation instruction and program design; contributing to a learning environment through openly sharing knowledge and experiences; accessing internal and external professional development opportunities; updating knowledge and skills to accommodate changes in the outdoor recreation industry.
Planning and organising
Collecting, analysing and recording information to efficiently plan outdoor recreation activities and programs; setting work priorities and scheduling programs and work activities to meet deadlines and use resources efficiently while minimising environmental impact, implementing and monitoring occupational health and safety policies and promoting compliance with legislation and regulations.
Problem-solving
Managing hazards, risks and emergencies related to outdoor recreation activities and facilities; clarifying the extent of, and resolving problems through negotiating with clients in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner; dealing with unpredictable and non-routine situations; planning, strategy and resource allocation to design activities to meet client needs; applying search and rescue skills; interpreting changing weather conditions in the field; determining appropriate instructional strategies for skill transfer to clients.
Self-management
Understanding and complying with the legal and ethical responsibilities that apply to own role and operating within limits of authority; critically reviewing own strengths and weaknesses; actively seeking and reflecting on feedback on own performance; building industry networks to regularly update knowledge and skills.
Teamwork
Providing leadership to outdoor activity assistants; monitoring group progress and providing encouragement where necessary; recognising and adapting appropriately to cultural and language differences; promoting compliance with legal obligations; acknowledging accountability to supervisors and working collaboratively with other outdoor recreation personnel and stakeholders.
Technology
Understanding and utilising the operating capability of computer systems and software for outdoor recreation program planning and delivery; identifying new equipment that improves safety and enhances delivery of outdoor recreation activities; using information technology to assist in communication and support management and planning functions.
