Over ten years ago we had a vision for training in Australia. That vision started small and evolved into Outward Bound Australia becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Some ten years later, we can reflect back at what becoming a RTO has meant for Outward Bound, and we can see what it means today.
After receiving RTO status in June of 1999 the first group of eleven "Zulu" (taken from the phonetic alphabet) interns commenced their internship on the 1st of September 1999 in pursuit of their Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation. We can view this as another milestone to acknowledge, or we can scratch the surface and dig deeper to reveal some insights as to how becoming a RTO has changed the face of Outward Bound Australia.
The next group of interns (the Kilos) will be our 20th internship and one lucky Kilo will be our 250th intern to commence their Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation. To take a bigger picture perspective, Outward Bound has provided a large proportion for the Outdoor Recreation Industry's next generation of trained professionals. It is 250 individuals who have had their own personal journey with all the learning to go along with it. It is 250 outdoor instructors who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of literally thousands of participants they have come in contact with. This is a contribution to the Outdoor Industry and the Australian community that Outward Bound Australia as a whole organisation can be proud of.
From humble beginnings with the Zulu internship the Training Department at Outward Bound Australia has become an industry leader in training future outdoor educators. Since becoming a RTO Outward Bound Australia has consistently produced over 30% of all Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation qualifications in Australia. Through the hard work and dedication of past and present board members, management and staff across the board, with a special mention to all the staff that have served in the Training Department, Outward Bound Australia has been formally recognised for the quality of it's training through winning a number of awards including:
National New Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year 2003
ACT New Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year 2003 and 2004
ACT New Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Finalist 2001
National Employer of the Year in the Recreation Industry Award 2001, 2002 and 2003
It is truly amazing to think that although Outward Bound Australia has only been a RTO for ten years, we as an organisation have been recognised for the outstanding work we do to train individuals for the outdoor recreation industry. These awards are a culmination of not only numerous individuals' hard work, but also the vision Outward Bound had to be a leader in outdoor education.
Outward Bound Australia will continue to implement positive change in its training package. We will continue to strive to improve and develop better ways to deliver training. Most importantly Outward Bound will always be guided by our values and philosophies, whether it be in training the next generation of Outdoor Educators in Australia, or inspiring the next generation of young Australians to discover, develop and achieve their potential, through our schools, public and community courses.
The next internship program begins in July 2008. Click here for more information and to apply.
