The outdoor recreation and leadership 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 and leadership 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 and leadership 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 and leadership 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:
The purpose of these qualifications is to support multiple related occupations.
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.
Following a systematic investigation of the essential tasks, responsibilities, and performance expectations associated with outdoor recreation and leadership roles, we can now present our functional analysis report which will ensure that training products remain relevant, purposeful and reflective of real-world workplace requirements.
Read our Functional Analysis Report
Thank you for providing your feedback on draft qualifications, skill sets and units of currency. We will respond to all feedback which will be captured and considered in a consultation summary document.
Additional Project Input Opportunities
Subject Matter Expert Pool: May 2025 – May 2026
A pool of over 80 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) has been formed to provide input on the content of various qualification units. SMEs have extensive experience in leading, running or teaching outdoor recreation and leadership and have a strong understanding of good practice. We will conduct several meetings with SMEs throughout the project and SMEs will also have the opportunity to contribute in writing.
Industry Conferences
We attended the following conferences to provide you with the opportunity to chat with us directly about the project and provide your input.
- National Outdoor Education Conference, December 2024
- Outdoor Industry Summit Outdoors NSW/ACT, July 2025
- Outdoors Victoria Conference, August 2025
- Australian Camps Association National Conference, September 2025
November 2025 to April 2026
Details to come.
April to May 2026
Details to come.