Fancy yourself a mountain guide but don’t know where to start? How about New Zealand?
The road to mountain guide qualifications is rightfully a long one with many safety qualifications to complete over numerous years. It’s not a cheap road, either.
That’s where Aspiring Guides and The North Face new grant program comes in.
With a noticeable shortage of qualified mountain guides in the industry, the Guide Development Scholarship aims to spark conversation and aid aspiring guides along the process of becoming qualified.
The level of commitment required, along with financial constrictions and limited opportunities, often deters many candidates from progressing through the stages and pursuing a career as a mountain guide.
Seeing the barriers along this pathway, Aspiring Guides and The North Face have teamed up to offer a grant to two worthy candidates, with the intention of alleviating some of these challenges.
The Aspiring Guides Guide Development Scholarship, proudly supported by The North Face, is designed to encourage and foster the next generation of qualified mountain guides. This scholarship supports individuals on their journey to becoming an NZMGA or IFMGA guide by reducing financial barriers, providing mentorship opportunities and professional development as they navigate their pathway.
Two successful applicants each will receive $2,500 contribution towards NZMGA certification costs, The North Face Summit Series apparel and equipment to the amount of $5000 and five direct supervision days over and above standard ratios with Aspiring Guides NZMGA or IFMGA guide.
“The scholarship is the ultimate package. It combines mentorship, financial aid and gear support all in one go and I don’t think that’s ever happened before in the New Zealand industry,” says Will Rowntree, IFMGA Mountain Guide & The North Face Athlete.
“That initial support in particular will help that individual become the well-rounded mountain guide they aspire to be.”
Applicants must hold NZMGA Assistant Guide status as a ski guide, climb guide or trek guide to apply. Candidates must complete their application by May 15 with two professional letters of recommendation.
A selection committee consisting of members of Aspiring Guides, The North Face, and NZMGA will then vote to decide the two successful applicants.
All the info to apply is here.
