Tour Guides Australia is supporting the next generation of tour guides by creating clearer pathways for TAFE students studying Tourism and Tour Guiding.
From this year, any student completing a Tourism or Tour Guide certificate course at TAFE anywhere in Australia will receive a complimentary 12-month Affiliate Membership to Tour Guides Australia.
Benefits for students
This membership provides valuable industry connections and opportunities, including:
- Direct access to tourism operators and employment opportunities.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Networking events and industry insights.
- Behind-the-scenes tours of attractions and experiences.
By linking their study directly to industry, the initiative supports students in transitioning to the workforce, helps TAFE institutions promote their courses, and encourages higher course completion rates.
Building a sustainable workforce
“We are excited to introduce this initiative and support as many new entrants to the profession as possible,” Tour Guides Australia Greg Esnouf said. “Developing clear career pathways has been identified as essential to attracting, training, and retaining tour guides in Australia. Tour Guides Australia is committed to working with institutions and operators nationwide to build a sustainable workforce.”
A broader push
This initiative follows a similar offer earlier this month for graduates of the Tassie Tour Guide Academy, and builds on Tour Guides Australia’s ongoing commitment to training and accreditation.
For the past two years, graduates of the organisation’s own nationally recognised microcredential – Tour Guiding Fundamentals – have also enjoyed complimentary membership. Many have gone on to gain valuable experience and achieve Professional Guide certification, the highest accreditation for tour guides in Australia.
In recent months, the Tour Guiding Fundamentals program has been delivered nationwide – from Arnhem Land to Hobart, and from the NSW South Coast to Brisbane and Cairns – through both public courses and private programs for tour operators, government agencies, and attractions.
Upcoming courses
- Melbourne: commencing 27 October
- Sydney: commencing 17 November
