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Chris completed the SIS40621 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership course (a Free TAFE course for eligible students) before progressing to the SIS50421 Diploma of Outdoor Leadership with Certificate III in Tourism SIT30522.

“I wanted to do more,” he says. “I love sharing the outdoors and watching people learn and enjoy (nature). The personal achievements, as well as the group achievements, really bring everyone together.”

The SIS40621 Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership course gives students the skills and knowledge to guide and assist various outdoor activities, including bushwalking, rock climbing, abseiling, and whitewater rafting.

Students benefit from practical classes, most delivered in outdoor settings. They also undertake field trips that range from single-day expeditions to adventures over multiple weeks.

“It is practical, and skills based, so most of the learning is outdoors. Most of the course you are immersed in the wild. There was a consistent voice in safety and setup practices,” explains Chris.

The SIS50421 Diploma of Outdoor Leadership with Certificate III in Tourism SIT30522 gives students managerial and leadership experience, suitable for jobs as a trip leader, senior outdoor guide, or outdoor activity specialist.

A key part of the course is practical skill development. Students receive extensive hands-on experience in planning, organisation and outdoor adventure program delivery.

“Rock-climbing in Mt Arapiles as well as canoeing on the Murray River were overall course highlights. I will remember the amazing, challenging and beautiful hikes, including The Gammon Ranges in South Australia and through Northern Wilsons Promontory.”

Outdoor leadership experts need diverse skill sets and capabilities – including practical, technical, and soft skills.

They need strong fitness and initiative, but also must be reliable, mature, and knowledgeable when dealing with clients from different social and cultural backgrounds.

Chris says gaining more practical skills during your studies through Holmesglen will help create better job opportunities for your career after graduation.

“Having the qualifications and training, including first aid training, gives you the skills you need to fulfill school requirements and industry requirements.

“Employers are looking for different skills, so the more activity skills you have, the better you will be positioned to get work.

“For example, completing high ropes training has allowed me to move higher up in my career and gain more work.”

“Both courses complement each other and teach you a lot of skills.

“They help turn something you’ve been passionate about and involved in, into a career.

“You learn the basics in the Certificate and then build on those skills in the Diploma, for example, moving from flat marked trails to unmarked trails.”

Find out more about our outdoor leadership courses and how to apply.