New Zealand Apprenticeship in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4)

14 apprenticeship Outdoor Leadership

This apprenticeship is for passionate outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to build the foundations of a career in the outdoors.

By completing the Outdoor Leadership apprenticeship you will develop an understanding of what leadership is all about, through outdoor adventures and leading groups in a specific outdoor activity.

Choose your outdoor recreation activity

To enrol in this programme, you need to be working in outdoor recreation, in a paid job, or self-employed.

If you don't have a role lined up, contact us to talk about how we can help.

This apprenticeship is designed to be completed in 2 years. 

You'll be trained and observed in the workplace. Some of your assessments will be completed online.

The apprenticeship is comprised of three qualifications:

New Zealand Certificate in Assistant Outdoor Leadership (Level 3):

  • Assisting with the planning, delivery and review of outdoor activities
  • Assisting in identifying and managing hazards and risks
  • Operating under a framework of kaitiakitanga 
  • Communicating with individuals and groups to manage and meet their diverse needs. 

New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Experiences (Level 4):

  • Operating safely in unfamiliar and dynamic outdoor environments
  • Managing self and taking into account equipment, weather, logistics, and safety management
  • Maintaining personal fitness and the physical skills required to operate safely.

New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4):

  • Demonstrating knowledge and skill in a specific outdoor activity, chosen from the list of activity electives above
  • Preparing and leading an outdoor group experience in a low-technical environment
  • Leading an outdoor experience under indirect supervision while operating within a safety management system
  • Applying a framework of kaitiakitanga.

Once you've achieved the Outdoor Leadership (Level 4) certificate, you will be registered with the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals. You can keep your registration current by re-registering every three years.

Looking for a different outdoor recreation programme or activity?