Instructor Development Program

About

The Instructor Development Program (IDP) is a 4 year program designed to build leadership, practical skills and confidence in youth.

From the age of 12 youth can apply and begin their journey into Instructing at the Training Academy.

In the first two years, participants focus on learning, practicing new skills and building their confidence with peers and sailing course participants.

As you progress into the final two years of the IDP, instructors in training will mentor junior instructors and continue developing their skills and knowledge to become lead Instructors.

Selection Criteria

The following areas are taken into consideration in selecting participants for the IDP program:

Commitment
Sailing skills
Sport participation and recreational activities
Communication skills
General behavior
Recommendation from teacher or another person who is not a parent or relation.

Uniforms

Training Academy instructors are required to wear a uniform which consists of:

DSC Training Academy instructor shirt (Provided by Training Academy)
Black Leggings
Closed toe Footwear (crocs or reef shoes)
Hat

Fees

$110 for Australian Sailing Assistant Instructor Course
$7 for an Ochre Card (15yrs+)
$163 for Coxswain Grade 3 NC

Time Commitment

Below are our expectations of instructors in training.

We work closely with Australian Sailing Association and our Training Academy to provide training courses, certifications and qualifications. Each Instructing level has specific expectations and qualifications. In order to progress in the IDP, we expect Instructors in Training to attend all courses that we provide to gain qualifications and experience. As Instructors in Training gain more qualifications so will their responsibilties to perform higher duties.

Instructor courses 1-2 days over a weekend in Term 1
Online inductions are 1-2hrs and can be done in your own time at home.
Additional training and skills sessions are usually 1-2hrs on an afternoon in Term 1 or Term 2.

Work shifts are usually 3-4 hours on a weeknight or weekend. We try to roster for entire Training Academy programs for consistency. Courses vary in length from Term programs to 3wk programs. We run programs 7 days a week.

Work shifts are at Lake Alexander or Darwin Sailing Club.
IDP Training is run at Darwin Sailing Club.

Parents Commitment

Ensure your child is punctual and wears the correct uniform.
Collect your child on time or arrange appropriate alternative transportation.

Code of Conduct - Parents & Instructors

This is an identical Code of Conduct that is used across the board in the DSC Training Academy.

VIEW CODE OF CONDUCT

Instructor Pathway

Level 1 Assistant Instructor (volunteer)
Level 2 Assistant Instructor (paid)
Level 3 Assistant Instructor (paid)
Instructor (paid)

Qualifications

At each stage of the Instructor Development Program (IDP), participants are offered relevant training courses. As they advance, they are informed about upcoming sessions or online options, along with registration details. Successful completion of all courses leads to the listed qualifications.

Senior First Aid Certificate
Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling Certificate
AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate
Australian Sailing Assistant Instructor
Australian Sailing Dinghy Instructor
Australian Sailing Tackers Instructor
Australian Sailing OutThere Sailing Instructor
Australian Sailing SUP Instructor
Australian Sailing Wing Instructor
Australian Sailing Foundation Coach

Training and Upskilling

Each year we run additional training beyond the official qualifications that they will receive. Most training is run annually to ensure the skills and knowledge of individuals remain up to date. At the end of each season instructors are asked to provide feedback and identify areas that they feel further education would be beneficial. Where possible this will also be included in the annual calendar.

Australian Sailing Instructor Conference
Instructor Induction
Assistant Instructor Induction
Tractor Induction
Marine First Aid Training
Autism Training

Team Building

Each year we schedule 2-3 team building days, these activities are a great way to get to know each other and build friendships. Everyone within the Training Academy is involved, some examples are listed below.

Team Building Day
Darwin Port Tour
End of Season Break-up Party

Leadership Skills

Instructors in the IDP learn the importance of leadership from the start. As assistant instructors, they guide and mentor younger, less experienced sailors in learn-to-sail programs. As they progress through the instructor pathway, they take on more responsibility, providing on-the-job training to junior staff. We try to feature three levels of instructors, to lead our Training Academy Courses, fostering peer-to-peer leadership and mentoring, with increased leadership roles as instructors grow.

SACE Credits

There are currently two programs that can be used under the Community Learning Program. Each program is valued at 10 credit points in Stage 1.

OutThere Sailing 3
Powerboat Handling + Dinghy Instructor

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Participants can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and almost everything you undertake in the IDP can contribute. Most NT schools run a DOE Program. The Training Academy Manager can sign off participants throughout the program.

Dukes 4 Sport is a great way to be part of something fun and gain accreditation at the same time. There are three streams (volunteering, skill acquisition and participation).

Career Possibilities

The IDP provides skills, training, and an introduction to careers in both the Sporting & Marine Industry. Many of the experiences gained from this program can be used as a pathway into employment within these industries. Participants that are keen to gain more in-depth knowledge through work experience or further training in other areas are encouraged to make this known to the Training Academy Manager. Some of our previous participants have gone onto careers in the Superyacht Industry, Sail Making, Rigging, Commercial Skippers on Tugs, Pilot Boats & Barges, Sailing Coaches and Sports Administration.