The outdoor recreation qualifications are part of the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. They require a review to address recent curriculum updates that reflect evolving standards and anticipate future needs within the sector.
The outdoor recreation sector is currently grappling with a scarcity of skilled workers, casualisation of employment, high staff turnover, and a growing demand for outdoor activities. This review aims to ensure that outdoor recreation professionals are equipped with relevant, up-to-date skills and knowledge to effectively meet current and emerging demands. It will also consider the provision of better career progression pathways.
With over 600 operators, the outdoor recreation industry contributes $11 billion to the economy each year and is projected to grow by 10 per cent by 2026.
Offering activities like mountain biking, abseiling, journey-based expeditions, cycling, fishing, bushwalking, canoeing, surfing, and climbing, the industry plays a significant role in the health and well-being of the community. The diversity of these activities underscores the need for training qualifications which are relevant to a broad audience and embrace the full scope of activities and settings.
Project Scope
This project will review 4 qualification and 195 units of competency that support training for the following occupations:
- Outdoor Guide
- Outdoor Instructor
- Site Manager
- Camp Facilitator
- Specialist Activity Instructor
- Tour Guide.
Qualification
The 4 qualifications being reviewed are:
You can provide us with any initial feedback on the current qualification and associated units of competency by emailing details to the Project Coordinator.
Project governance and consultation strategy
We have established a Technical Committee (TC) of experts to provide advice for the project. TC members are selected for their relevant expertise on the diverse aspects of the project.
View the Terms of Reference and Technical Committee members.
View our Project Consultation Strategy.
Fact sheet
November 2024 to September 2025
A Technical Committee of relevant experts has been established and has provided specialised advice for the project and communication and consultation strategies. They also provide technical advice on the skills and knowledge required to meet graduate outcomes and workforce needs.
We will also undertake:
- desktop research
- a review of available information on industry standards, working conditions and employer recruitment selection criteria
- virtual workshops to:
- explore the skills that organisations need
- identify career pathways for employees
- discuss foreseeable changes in the sector.
September to November 2025
Consultation will be via:
- 16 x virtual interviews with employers held
- 1 x virtual functional analysis workshop held
- Draft Qualifications, Skill Sets and Units of Competency:
- 12 x face to face workshops
- 3 x virtual workshops
All draft training product materials will be made available for comment.
We will publish the dates and locations of workshops when they have been confirmed.
November 2025 to April 2026
Details to come.
April to May 2026
Details to come.