Whakatipu High School Instructor Training

Get ready for a unique opportunity to launch your career in snowsports! This 6-day intensive programme is designed exclusively for Whakatipu High School students aiming to join the Queenstown Snowsports team for the July school holidays, with the potential to advance to Level 1 Instructor certification after the holidays. This course provides targeted training to boost performance and prepare students for professional work on the mountain. 

Towards the completion of the course, students who have shown commitment to listening to feedback, punctuality, reliability and positive attitudes to being involved with NZSki will be invited to a pre-employment interview. Successful candidates will be invited to join the NZSki Snowsports team starting 30 June to work full-time through the NZ July school holiday period. Trainees must be available to work full-time through the two weeks of NZ school holidays to be offered a contract. Following this paid work period, students will have the option to proceed with their NZSIA or SBINZ Level 1 Instructor Exams over the first three weekends of term 3. The fee for these exams is additional, the qualification body NZSIA and SBINZ are external to NZSki however is held at NZSki resorts in Queenstown meaning your local schools season passes can be used. 

Programme Highlights: 

• Performance level coaching: Focused coaching to develop high-level skiing or riding skills, understanding guest expectations and how to create great guest experiences while teaching.
• Professional Pathway: Interview upon completion, with successful candidates onboarding as full-time Snowsports team members through the July school holidays. For many WHS students this is the first professional work experience they may have, developing confidence, strong communication skills and awareness of the importance of professionalism - key skills for the years ahead.
• Clear path to both employment and certification: Go into the Level 1 Instructor Exams with solid teaching experience behind them after the holiday period. Preference in employment will always be given to those who have come through the rookie instructor training programme before going to an NZSIA or SBINZ course. 

Important Details: 

• Dates: June 14/15, 21/22 and 28/29. (three consecutive weekends, mandatory attendance required to continue on to employment Times: 9am – 3:30pm each day, meeting point /location will be shared in pre-course e-communication.
• Ability Level: Participants must be confident and skilled on red and black terrain at our Queenstown mountains.
• Additional requirements: 3 Peak Local Secondary School Season Pass required as well as own equipment. 

Note: External NZSIA/SBINZ exam fees are not included in the training programme fee. 

Kickstart your journey in the snowsports industry with this dedicated pathway for Whakatipu High School students and gain invaluable experience and mentoring from our global professionals!