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Certificate in Outdoor Sport & Recreation
NFQ Level 5
- Full-Time
- In-Person
- 47 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.Â
What You'll Learn
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Lead and instruct a variety of outdoor activities safely and effectively, including water- and land-based sports.
- Apply rescue, first aid, and safety procedures in outdoor environments.
- Operate boats and equipment relevant to outdoor instruction.
- Communicate and work well in teams, demonstrating leadership and personal effectiveness.
This course includes 8 weeks of work experience.
Students may also have the opportunity to participate in a week long Erasmus+ funded placement in France. Selected students will have the opportunity to experience another culture; learn the basics of another language, enhance professional and personal knowledge and training. This opportunity includes the cost of travel and accommodation of participants.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Outdoor Sport & Recreation.
You will have the opportunity to achieve National Governing Body certification with Canoeing Ireland as a L1 Kayak Instructor, Stand-Up Paddle Board Instructor and with Sailing Ireland as a Sailing Dinghy Instructor, Windsurfing Instructor and gain a National Powerboat Certificate.
Tá Cúrsaà Oiliúna arna gcomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus an Aontas Eorpach. #EUinMyRegion
Traineeships are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion
Timetable & Modules
Timetable:Â
This course will run in person, on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half day on a Friday.
| Module | Title |
| 5N1356 | Work Experience |
| 5N1367 | Teamworking |
| 5N4646 | Adventure Activities |
| 5N5305 | Safety Boat Handling Skills |
| 5N5385 | Sailing Skills |
| 5N5386 | Outdoor Recreation |
| 5N21805 | Stand-Up Paddle Instructional Skills |
| 5N5188 | Windsurfing Skills |
| 5N5186 | Kayaking Instruction Skills |
| ISA01 | ISA National Powerboat Certificate |
| ISA02 | Windsurfing Instructor |
| ISA03 | Dinghy Instructor |
| ISA04 | Go Windsurfing |
| ISA05 | Safety Boat Certificate |
| ISA06 | Get Up+Go! Windsurfing |
| ISA-SBSS-3a | ISA – Small Boat Sailing Scheme – Improving Skills |
| ISA-SBSS-3b | ISA – Basic Skills – Small Boat Sailing Scheme |
| RSR1 | River Safety and Rescue 1 |
| RSR2 | River Safety and Rescue Training 2 |
| ICUKP3 | Kayak Skills |
| ICUKI1 | Kayaking Instructor |
| ICUSUPI | Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructor |
| PHECC – FAR | First Aid Response |
| RECL3 | Rescue Emergency Care Level 3 |
| 002651 | Child Welfare and Protection in Sport |
Progression / Career
Graduates of this course will hold multiple industry-recognised qualifications. You will be qualified to work as outdoor activity instructor in the areas of sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and adventure sports.
You may progress to employment in outdoor education centres, adventure tourism, or self-employment as a freelance instructor.
This course also supports progression to further or higher education in outdoor recreation, sports coaching, or related fields.
Entry Requirements
- Students need to have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
- Demonstrate a keen interest in sport, through evidence of active participation in sports. Some experience of adventure sports is beneficial. An ability to relate to people through previous work experience in the community or organised sports is desirable.
- Students must show willingness and aptitude for facilitating young people and adults, in their learning. Should be able to demonstrate maturity, competence and ability.
- You must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be water confident.
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.
Cost / Fees
You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).
We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.
Share This Course:
Real Students, Real Results!
"Gartan caught my eye because it offered sailing and windsurfing. I was very impressed with the place. The equipment and the changing facilities were fantastic. It was a great place to be in school for a year. It’s a lot about leadership and leading groups into new environments. I really love life when you are working outdoors most days and you can look out across a lake or down a valley. No day is ever the same, no group is the same, and I love meeting new people each day, or spending a few days with a group and getting to know them. We work with kids as well as adults and it was great to do the team building in schools. There are great employment opportunities in Ireland and outside the country. It’s also a great way to challenge yourself personally in new sports. You make personal achievements as well as gain career opportunities."
Micheál Seoighe
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