A diverse and exciting program designed to keep everyone interested and busy throughout their stay, balancing plenty of action, learning, working, social and free time.
MONTH 1: HIKING, ROCK CLIMBING AND PRE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
INTRODUCTION TO ADVENTURE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP + HIKE MODULE ONE
Welcome to Queenstown! We spend a few days having a group orientation where the group will get to know each other, settle into accommodation and have a typical kiwi BBQ and few beers. Over the next few days you'll all discuss the learning outcomes for the program, spend time participating in team bonding exercises, play various games and have time to explore your new back yard whilst taking part in an organised scavenger hunt! It's a really great few days and will solidify lifelong friendships with your Pure Ex family really quickly!
You’ll get an in-depth briefing providing you the core skills needed for the training ahead. Not to mention exploring some stunning local sights along the way!
Hike Module one will introduce you to day-hikes, overnight hikes, navigation, weather and map reading then introduce you to essential training in group management, risk analysis, and leadership.
INTRO TO ROCK CLIMBING + PRE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE (PHEC) TRAINING
On your third week we get you all kitted out to spend some time on the rock face climbing! In rock module one you get stuck into training on equipment, safety, top-roping and an intro to lead climbing.
On the fourth week we spend time in Queenstown, where participants will undertake Pre Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) training. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, participants will receive an internationally recognised qualification. PHEC is known as "the beast" of first aid training and is the industry standard for adventure industry professionals. It's delivered by leading outdoor safety and emergency care professionals who we have worked closely with for a number of years and is ideal for those who are looking to lead groups in an outdoor environment. Participants become familiar with the use of advanced emergency care equipment such as oxygen, defibrillators and BP cuffs as well as other resuscitation techniques.
MONTH 2 -3: PAID WORK EXPERIENCE AT A LEADING TOURISM PROVIDER (border restrictions and recruitment dependent)
We have worked hard to bring you PAID work experience at a leading tourism provider in the South Island of New Zealand. There is so much going on here in the hub of tourism for New Zealand. The work we provide could see you on the front desk, providing information for tourists or
it could see you out in the field assisting guiding across the mountains of New Zealand. We can’t wait to match you up with one of our partners and get you on the road to REAL and PAID work experience in the field that you are training in. This is the first step into your future as part of the adventure tourism industry.
*recruitment and border restrictions dependent
MONTH 4: FURTHER HIKING, ROCK CLIMBING AND SWIFT WATER RESCUE TRAINING
ADVANCED HIKING AND ROCK CLIMBING MODULES
It's not all work and no play. After 2 months of gaining industry experience, we get back to the outdoors and take it up a notch. It’s time to test your limits and push those new skills. We take you to a few more challenging locations where you’ll have to pull together as a team to get through, and where you’ll really start to see the value in ensuring processes are followed and back-up plans are in place!
- Hike Module 2 covers: Multi-day hiking, camping, nutrition, leadership, navigation, flora and fauna and natural interpretation skills
- Rock Module 2 covers: Lead climbing, top-roping systems, abseiling, transitions and clifftop safety
- Hike Modules 3 & 4 cover: practicing leading your group, trip planning and gaining some mileage for your logbook! A couple more multi-day adventures await
- Rock Modules 3 & 4 cover: leading your group, route planning, safety assessments and risk management. A couple of awesome road trips to find the best hidden crags!
Two days are also spent in the water, with our custom SWIFT water rescue training. This course will teach you the skills needed in order to read and understand water patterns, water safety, rules and regulations, environmental and cultural practices, as well as how to conduct river rescues. It's a great course to compliment the PHEC qualification, and it will instill in you a general sense of confidence around water.
MONTH 5: CLIENT DAYS AND ASSESSMENTS
CRUNCH TIME!
Time to complete logbook requirements to enable you to sit your upcoming NZOIA Bush and Rock Leader assessments. We will set you up with leadership days to run hiking and climbing excursions, from trip planning, safety, pickups, equipment, working with clients, and leading groups! Get some real experience with what it takes to plan, risk assess and successfully lead a day expedition. Everyone is allocated 5 days where you’ll be acting as leader, guide and instructor in bush walking and rock climbing.
Assessments take place in the final week of the program, a 2 day Bush Assessment and a 2 day Rock Assessment. We have an amazing 98% pass rate, so if you have put in the time and energy - by the end of the program you will be a certified NZOIA Rock and Bush Leader.
As well as completing your hiking and rock climbing disciplines to NZOIA standard, you’ll also complete two crucial safety certifications to add to your repertoire: 40-hour Pre-Hospital Emergency Care & Swift Water Rescue.
To top off your 12 weeks with us we host an epic graduation dinner.
For those looking to stay on in NZ and seek employment we provide plenty of support and assistance to get you hooked up with our industry partners.
MONTH 6: MORE PAID INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
After all this time away, you might be missing getting involved with paying tourists and practicing your skills! Once again, you will join a team* and put your best step forward in providing a memorable customer experience. The adventure tourism culture is a unique one as innovation and fun are at the core of everything they do, so you won’t be short of a laugh while you’re working in this industry. And not unimportant, you’ll even leave with some pocket money for your next adventure if you don’t decide to go skydiving every other weekend.
*border and recruitment restrictions dependent
This is a sample guide to what you can expect to do on the program. Please note that treks, locations and the order in which the activities occur may be subject to change, due to seasonality, operational requirements or health & safety.
