This qualification is for fully-certified instructors (Ski Level Three) who wish to become involved with training staff at their resort or candidates for Level One and Two Certifications.
This qualification is split into a four-day workshop with a three-day assessment later in the season. The workshop includes modules on technical knowledge, clinicing and analysis skills, teach-to-teach class levels one and two, trainer-level demos and personal skiing improvement. Candidates are expected to present two clinics during the workshop and will receive peer and trainer feedback.
Assessment of candidates’ skiing includes all levels from straight runs, wedge, wedge-christie, parallel, dynamic-parallel, short turns, on and off piste free runs, and varied all-mountain tasks. Candidates’ teaching and clinicing skills are assessed via four separate means, this includes; a minimum 30-minute teaching progression presentation to the other candidates, a minimum 30-minute personal skiing development clinic, a two-hour (approximately) development coaching session and a skier analysis assessment session from video. All teaching/clinicing tasks are to be aimed at Level One Certification Candidates.
Note: The Trainer’s Certification is a pathway that begins with the Trainer’s Workshop, followed by the shadowing of a Level One Certification (please request to shadow by contacting the Ski Course Manager at least 15 days prior), then the Trainer’s Exam. The NZSIA Children’s Teaching Certification or foreign equivalent is a pre-requisite for the Trainer’s Certification Exam.
In 2012 the Free Ski Level One (or foreign equivalent) will become a pre-requisite for the Trainers certification exam.
Summary
Length: 4 day workshop, 3 day exam
Cert resource: The NZSIA Ski Instructor’s Manual
Pre-requisites: You must be an associate member or full member. Instructors wishing to enter the Trainers’ Certification process need to be fully-certified with NZSIA Ski Level Three or have another country’s highest national ski instructor level together with a current ISIA stamp. To sit the Trainer’s exam you must attend the Trainer’s workshop, shadow a Level One Certification and hold the Children’s Teaching Certification (or foreign equivalent).
Why take this certification: Full-cert instructors wishing to train other instructors should sit this certification. Not only is it a step towards becoming an Examiner, but it equips you with the skills to train others effectively and efficiently.
What’s next: Upon completion of the Trainer’s Certification you may be invited to Examiner Training.
Testimonials
Name: Ashley Murphy
Course and Resort: Ski Trainer’s Certification at Coronet Peak
Year passed: 2009
“Participating in this year’s exam was definitely a career highlight for me. Starting as a rookie taking my first instructing exam at Coronet Peak in 2004, I would never have believed I would be in the position I am now. The first day of this year’s exam the scene was set; good heavy Kiwi powder! This proved to be rather testing conditions by the time a drop in temperature firmed it up nicely. Luckily everyone was in good encouraging spirits. The Examiners did an amazing job of ensuring we were all as relaxed as we could be for the three days. I am definitely looking forward to being a Trainer and all the challenges and responsibilities that come with it, not to mention examining Level One in the near future.”
Name: Kirsty Hole
Course and Resort: Ski Trainer’s Certification at Coronet Peak
Year passed: 2008
“I sat this exam with only three other candidates so the whole thing was shortened to just two days – what a relief! I think I was the most nervous I have ever been in my life leading up to the exam. But when it all finally started everything went smoothly because Gavin and Steph were really good, making the atmosphere as relaxed as possible. I’ve been working at Cardrona for the past four years and now I’m looking forward to taking CSI exams there next season. Woohoo!”
