Our Approach to Training and Development

Our vision is to provide top quality learning experiences that help to develop individuals, teams and organisations.

We understand that people learn best when they are actively involved. This experiential approach is the cornerstone of the design and delivery of our programmes. Furthermore in our approach we believe in the development of three main areas, which can be compared to the strands of a rope:

1.	Technical Skills
2.	The Skills & Attributes of a World Class Leader
3.	Personal Development

As with a rope:

• each strand rises to the surface at different times (while the other strands are still in the background, we may focus on one strand at times)
• each strand has its own strength, but by weaving the themes together the programme has greater strength (rather than focusing solely on a strand for an module/class, the integrated approach means we are always looking for, and using connections with the other strands)

1. Technical Skills

Developing intermediate skills, and instructing skills and strategies (for beginners) in each of the following:

	Wilderness Living and Travel Skills
	Off Trail Navigation and Route Finding
	White Water Kayaking
	White Water Rafting
	Rock Climbing
	Sea Kayaking
	Sailing/ Windsurfing
	Challenges High Ropes Courses
	Outdoor First Aid
	Pool Lifeguard Training

2. World Class Adventure Leader Skills

	Risk Management Training (incl safety systems)
	Weather
	Presentation
	Facilitation
	Teaching Tools (lesson plan, preparation, evaluation)
	Instructing adventure activities to an introductory level
	Extensive Work Experience	& Attributes (as identified by employers) Enthusiasm Proactive – have a ‘Can do’ approach A willingness to:    -   learn    -   seek out and accept challenges    -   take responsibility
	Group Management
	Communication
	Professionalism
	Customer focus
	Environmental Awareness
	Cultural awareness

3. Personal Development

The third strand provides a focus on the development of:

	Self-confidence
	Effective communication
	How to build rapport
	Independence
	An understanding of individual strengths & weaknesses
	Budgeting & Finances
	Organisational Skills
	Idea as to Next Steps (where to from here)

Nb: The following is an extract from a recent survey of projected skill requirements in the NZ tourism industry:

“The personal attributes and characteristics that are most commonly lacking in current employees, and which employers would like to see as pre-requisites for the future include:

-   Ability to have a warm and friendly personal empathy with customers

-   Effective interpersonal communication / people / selling skills

-   Ability and willingness to work effectively in teams

-   Leadership qualities or potential to accept higher responsibility

-   Good work ethic (punctuality, enthusiasm to work, reliability, loyalty,
    commitment, personal organisation and time management)

-   Pride in personal presentation and in maintaining high work standards

-   Motivation to provide consistent level of excellence in customer service

-   Tact and diplomacy in handling customers and in other personal relationships;
    cultural awareness and sensitivity

-   Ability to multi-task.”

Key models that we use to support the development of young people include:

1. Experiential Learning Cycle
2. The Challenge v Support Matrix
3. Our Team Development Model
     - Clear and Compelling Purpose
     - Solid Foundation of Values
     - Identifying and Developing Individual Strengths
     - Communication
   

You walk barefoot through the middle of town.