Outdoor Education Traineeship

Kickstart your career in outdoor experiential education with Outward Bound.

Group Leaders in Training

Have you ever considered a career in outdoor education?

We’re looking for legends who are ready to take on their Certificate III or IV in Outdoor Leadership.

• Do you love the outdoors, have a sense of adventure and want to help people achieve their best?
• Do you want to develop your leadership and technical skills in hiking, paddling and roping activities?
• Are you over 18 and eligible to work in Australia?

If you answered yes to those questions, then an Outward Bound traineeship might be for you! We have one intake per year and are always happy to talk to you about starting with us in the future.

You’ll get hands-on experience in all aspects of outdoor education and leadership.

Please email your CV and a cover letter to people@outwardbound.org.au to register your interest!

Download Traineeship Info Pack

"Being part of the traineeship has given me a great opportunity to meet others who are passionate about the outdoors and connect with people from all walks of life. Tharwa is a beautiful location to call home, and this year has brought plenty of adventure, chances to challenge myself, and new friendships."

Jemi, Trainee

"Facilitating and seeing growth in individuals and groups in a range of different contexts is very rewarding. I learn new things all the time from my colleagues, the participants and the programs that I am privileged to be a part of."

Andrew, Group Leader

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification will I receive?

Gain a nationally accredited Certificate III or IV in Outdoor Leadership through our partnership with 5Star Training.

Through Outward Bound Australia, you’ll get hands-on experience in all aspects of outdoor education and leadership.

What pre-requisites do I need?

Essential:

Over 18 and eligible to work in Australia.
First Aid Certificate and current CPR (or willingness to obtain one prior to start date).
Working with Vulnerable People in ACT (or willingness to obtain one prior to start date).

Desired:

Unrestricted manual driver’s licence.
Experience working with young people.
Personal experience in a variety of outdoor pursuits.

What locations do you operate in? Will I be able to travel?

Outward Bound operates in NSW, ACT, Victoria, and Western Australia. You will have the opportunity to travel and work in a variety of locations if you want to.

What sort of clients will I work with?

Outward Bound works with schools in years 4 to 12 during school terms, mostly in high-school age groups on expedition programs.

During the school holidays we offer 5-day adventure programs for youth ages 12 to 14, and 10-day expedition programs for ages 15 to 24.

We also work with community partners to delivered specially designed programs for groups such as Aboriginal youth, youth at risk, visually impaired teenagers, refugees, and new migrants.

Outward Bound also offers corporate programs for graduates and leaders.

As you develop and progress as a group leader, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. No two programs are the same.

What is the team culture like?

Most of the Operations Team is on contract, and work and live together. The team will travel together to different areas too.

This means that the team bonding is strong and many people adventure together on their time off too!

What career progression opportunities do you offer?

For the field team, progression happens from Group Leader (leading and facilitating groups on your own) to Senior Group Leader (leading the team and supporting the coordinators) to Coordinator (running programs and the day-to-day operations of base camp) and/or Mentor (working with our trainees and new staff members).