Why not train in-house?
Because we can create a much better learning environment for people outside their workplace, where there are few distractions, where they are far more likely to explore new ideas and where they operate on a level playing field.

What do outdoor activities like abseiling have to do with either learning or what is happening at work?
Activities form the basis of adult learning processes, and when properly sequenced and facilitated give participants the opportunity to experience the real, practical consequences of their actions. These activities allow participants to experiment with different behaviours and processes which lead to different outcomes. These outcomes remain with the program and constitute powerful learning experiences, which are used to create metaphors applied back to ‘real life’ situations.

What do we get for our money?
You get a course tailored to your organisation’s needs, professional attention to detail, and sustainable outcomes.

Is there any follow-up?
Yes. Follow-up is a crucial component to ensure that your investment is realised back in the workplace through the transfer of learnings from the program.

Why should we use Ausworks?
Ausworks has years of hands-on experience with a broad range of outdoor programs and people, and have many years of corporate ‘real world’ experience that allow us to achieve that balance between idealism and realism.

From the Participant.

How safe is it?
The safety of the participants, staff and the general public carries the highest priority for us. A safe operating environment will depend on appropriate and well maintained equipment, effective communications, attention to detail and responsible risk management strategies, including appropriate staff to participant ratios.

Ausworks has, and is committed to maintaining, a 100% safety record in terms of avoidable incidents within our control for both participants and staff. There is always going to be a degree of risk in any outdoor program, and this is in fact, why they work so well. However, there are two types of risk; perceived, and actual. Our programs are conducted in such a way as to minimise the actual risk, without taking away from the perceived risk. For example, abseiling has a high degree of perceived risk, but a low degree of actual risk, whereas driving has a high degree of actual risk, and a low degree of perceived risk.

Is this a Rambo style course?
No. Although if you wish we can make it one of those. The courses are very carefully pitched to provide an achievable challenge for the participants. The challenge is going to be more emotional and mental than it will be physical.

How fit do I need to be?
Obviously, if you are fit, physically things will be easier for you. However, that is true wherever you are. An average level of fitness is quite sufficient, as we will make further assessments on the course to ensure we don’t leave anyone behind.

Am I going to be assessed and reported on?
No. We do not assess participants on these programs, except where the course requires it, eg for 4 Wheel Driver training. Otherwise, no assessments are made, and what happens on the course remains confidential.

Will I be shown up by my peers or subordinates?
The courses are designed to create an environment which is non-judgemental. We create a level playing field which encourages input from everyone. We encourage people to understand that everyone is different and that, in order to work together effectively, those differences are very important.

Will I lose face if I am unable to complete an activity?
Not at all. There are many different ways to participate. These programs encourage "challenge by choice". It often takes more courage to say ‘No", than it does to succumb to peer pressure and go through activities unwillingly.

Will I enjoy it?
One of the fundamentals of learning is that it should be fun, and we see that as an extremely important part of the program.

What will I personally get out of the program?
You will get outcomes from the course directly proportional to what you put into it. There is the potential to come away from the course with a much better understanding of yourself and how you impact on others, as well as a much better understanding of what makes others’ tick. In addition you will gain skills and knowledge that will enable you to have a more effective relationship with the people you interact with.