With employment opportunities for outdoor adventure guides expected to increase by 28% over the next five years*, there is no better time for adventure enthusiasts to consider a rewarding career exploring the great outdoors.

Former TAFE NSW Newcastle students Amy Mahoney and Frank Corkhill are taking advantage of opportunities in the industry after turning their love for exploring the outdoors into a thrilling career path.

After studying a Certificate III and IV in Outdoor Recreation, they are working as group leaders at Somerset Outdoor Learning based at the Colo River near Richmond.

Amy said, “I really enjoyed studying and learning from the teachers at TAFE NSW, they have so much experience having worked in the industry.

“I learnt about how to manage people and group dynamics as well as teaching hands-on activities such as canoeing, bushwalking and challenge high ropes.

Frank said, “In my role at Somerset Outdoor Learning, I take school groups on three or four-day camps and Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions ranging from one to six days, which involves facilitating activities and supervising their experiences in the outdoors.”

“I undertook work experience at Somerset and learnt the practical skills that I now use in my job every day.”

Somerset Outdoor Learning Schools and Dukes Administration Manager, Genevieve Colagiuri, said the camp highly regards the practical skills and experience the TAFE NSW students and graduates bring with them.

“TAFE NSW graduates can jump straight into assisting with the activities on school camps and then will build up their experience and confidence to be able to manage camps.

“Amy and Frank both have great natural abilities to develop a rapport with school students, and they are also proactive and energetic which means they are very well suited to this type of career.”

To find out more about studying outdoor recreation at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

*National Industry Insights. 2019. https://nationalindustryinsights.aisc.net.au/industries/sport-fitness-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 02 6586229, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au