How a TAFE Course Launched a Life of Adventure

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

For Bethany Van Strijp, studying Outdoor Leadership at Wodonga TAFE wasn’t just about gaining a qualification; it was the launchpad for a bold new career, a shift in lifestyle, and a deeper connection to nature. “After 3 years in the Defence Force, I knew I had a passion for adventure but was searching for a role that filled my eagerness for conservation and connection to nature,” Bethany said. That search led her to enrol in the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership at Wodonga TAFE, a hands-on course designed for people who want to build real-world experience in high-adventure settings. Bethany completed the course part-time over two years, while also studying a Bachelor in Outdoor Recreation at Charles Sturt University.

“The course sparked my interest due to its practical approach to learning, the opportunity to develop real-world skills and its priority to safety in inevitably high-risk environments,” she said.

From multi-day bush camps to riverside expeditions, the course blends theory with immersive outdoor experiences. It was these practical trips that left a lasting impression. “One of the highlights of the course was the five-day canoe trip we completed down the Murray River, camping along its banks and getting to experience the familiar landscape from a new perspective.”

Bethany gained a valuable toolkit through her training: decision-making, resilience, safety-first thinking, and the ability to facilitate fun in the outdoors. The course laid the foundation for a life and career filled with adventure. Since graduating, she has worked in the tourism industry across Australia and Canada in roles that combine adventure with environmental awareness.

“I have worked as a canoe-tripping guide at a kids' camp in Toronto, managed an off-grid eco-village at Mt Hotham during the snow season, worked three summers as an adventure tourism guide on Mt Buffalo, and am currently guiding on the Larapinta Trail in Alice Springs for World Expeditions,” she said.

Bethany says her time at Wodonga TAFE gave her more than just technical training. It also helped her grow in confidence and gave her the foundation to pursue new interests.

“It significantly improved my confidence by providing a solid foundation for in-depth learning. I initially felt extremely outside my comfort zone during the abseiling training, but by the end of the course, I felt calm and responsible in cliff environments. Without the base knowledge learnt at TAFE, I would not have found my love for climbing, which has taught me so much about managing fear, pushing comfort zones and has taken me to incredible destinations.”

She credits the teaching staff for creating a supportive and career-focused learning environment. “Wodonga TAFE supported our career goals by ensuring students were linked with local industry professionals and given the resources to continue networking when they finished the course. We were also given incredible career advice from approachable teaching staff with years of experience in the industry.”

Like many students in recent years, Bethany faced challenges brought on by the pandemic, but her determination to complete the course never wavered. “I was studying during Covid, so we faced our fair share of challenges with lockdowns, mandates, and even having to move the course back a whole year. This was a difficult decision as it meant we would be entering the workplace a year later than anticipated, but I knew I wanted to finish the course, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I stuck it out.”

For anyone considering the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, Bethany’s message is clear: “Absolutely do it! I finished the course with not only more confidence to go into the workplace, but also made some incredible friends and industry connections.” Bethany plans to continue working in ecotourism, gaining experience in seasonal roles around Australia. Looking ahead, she hopes to launch her own guided women’s retreats in the Victorian High Country, focused on nutrition, wellness, and adventure. 

As for the moments that stood out most during her studies? “One of the highlights would have to be paddling Snowy Creek after a decent rainfall and enjoying a pub feed at the Mitta pub at the end of the run!”

Ready to start your own adventure? Learn more about the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership and where it could take you.

Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership - Wodonga TAFE