New tafe course takes studies outdoors to capitalise of region’s adventure tourism

The Great Southern’s spectacular landscapes and adventure tourism potential have led to the introduction of a new course at South Regional TAFE’s Albany campus.

The Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership will be a one-year, full-time course starting in February.

It has been created to meet the demand for outdoor leaders and instructors.

The course will be run by lecturer Stuart Matheson, who has worked across the world in the past two decades teaching people about mountaineering, climbing and paddle sports.

Mr Matheson said recent industry reports showed a growth in outdoor recreation in WA.

“Students will learn abseiling, open canoeing, bushwalking and rock climbing, all skills which can be transferred to work in the industry,” he said.

“It’s perfect for those on a gap year, and for people who do not want to make a career of it, it will broaden their life skills.

“Graduates could work with people on school camps, outdoor education, adventure tourism and adventure-based therapy as well as for personal development and military-style adventure training.”

He said the hands-on course would have about 80 per cent of its content delivered outdoors.

For details, visit southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au.