Scouts Australia Institute of Training (SAIT)

Scouts Australia Institute of Training (SAIT) – RTO No. 5443, have been helping Scouts turning their Scouting experiences into Nationally recognised qualifications, unlocking career opportunities since 1996.

Thomas, Deputy Principal SAIT has recently caught up with Rebecca and her two daughters, Brianna and Aimee, who have both completed qualifications through SAIT. Rebecca, a Venturer Leader and Girl Guide Leader in South Australia, also Chairs the executive team for an all-female ‘Gang Show’ style performance called Carry On Guides. Both Brianna and Aimee are Venturer Scouts with a passion for the performing arts, having been involved in shows like Comedy Capers Gang Show, Scout Shouts Youth Theatre, and Carry On Guides for some time.

Here’s what they had to say about their journey with SAIT.

What qualifications did you achieve with Scouts? How was your experience?

I completed the Certificate II and III in Active Volunteering and the Certificate II in Creative Industries. I didn’t realised I had already done most of the work before even aiming to complete my certificates. It was really easy!

Why do you think it was achievable for you?

I’m very active in my Venturer Unit and really engaged in performing arts and dance, which is where I did a lot of the learning for these qualifications.

Tell us about the process of getting your certificate. Did someone help you?

Our assessor, Ann, guided us on what evidence was needed based on our experiences in Scouts and the creative industries. Once I gathered all of my documents and pictures together, I finished it quite easily.

What kind of evidence did you need to provide?

For the creative industries, I submitted videos and pictures of my participation in dance and performing arts through Scouts and Guides. Some of the evidence included programmes and reports from the shows. For the Active Volunteering qualifications, we kept a logbook of our service activities, like Bunnings barbecues and teaching dance. I also included examples of how I work with diverse people, communicate, and plan effectively.

Did these qualifications help with your high school certificate?

Massively! They’ve helped me get a lot closer to finishing my SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education). If I hadn’t completed them, I would have had a lot more work to do. Now, I can focus more on my other subjects since I’m doing fewer scheduled ones at school.

How do you think these qualifications will help you in the future?

Definitely! I’d love to keep helping with Scouts barbecues and I’m hoping to become a Rover Scout. I also hope to use these qualifications in my career choice—I want to join the police force, so hopefully, they will help me a bit.

Do you have any advice for other Venturers considering completing a qualification?

I 100% recommend it. Scouts already involves a lot of volunteering, so it’s just a matter of providing evidence for what you’ve already done. If you’re involved in performing arts in Scouts, definitely complete the Certificate II in Creative Industries.

What qualifications did you achieve with Scouts? How was your experience?

I’ve completed two so far: the Certificate II in Creative Industries and the Certificate II in Active Volunteering. It was really easy. I could ask for help when I needed it, and since I’d already done a lot in Scouts, I just needed to type it up to make a record. Ann, our assessor, was very kind and helped me understand what I needed to do.

Did these qualifications help with your high school certificate?

Yes, they really helped reduce the number of Year 11 subjects I needed to take, which significantly reduced my stress about school.

Do you think the skills recognised by these qualifications will help you after high school?

I hope so! I plan to finish Year 12 this year and start working in the animal care industry next year. Although the qualifications aren’t directly linked to animal care, I’ve learned a lot about working with people, public speaking, and work health safety. I didn’t realise I had these skills until I worked with the assessor to identify them.

What’s next for you in Scouting?

I want to continue into Rovers once I turn 18 at the end of this year. I’m looking forward to making more friends, learning new things, and maybe even completing another qualification to help me at work.

What qualifications did you achieve with Scouts? How was your experience?

I completed the Certificate II in Creative Industries, Certificate III in Active Volunteering, and the Working in a Child Safe Environment skill set. The experience was so easy and amazing! Ann, our assessor, made it really straightforward, even with my busy life. She helped me draw on my life experiences and my involvement in Scouting and Guiding, which provided plenty of evidence for these qualifications.

Adam (BC VET in South Australia) also recommended I complete the Working in a Child Safe Environment skill set, as I already lead in that area in my volunteer roles. It was a great match.

How do you think your qualifications have helped you?

These qualifications complement what you’re already doing in Scouting. They’re like a reward for all the effort you’ve put in over the years and can definitely help with career progression if you choose to use them that way.

What does Scouting and Guiding look like in working towards these qualifications?

For the Certificate II in Creative Industries, I’ve been heavily involved in the performing arts community. I’ve helped make costumes, performed in the cast, and I’m the Chairlady of Carry On Guides. All of these experiences, from making costumes to leading the direction and strategy of shows, have helped me gain skills in this industry.

I’m also a Venturer Leader and Guide Leader, leading groups of young people each week. Reflecting on my time as a leader to gather evidence for my qualifications was great—it made me think more deeply about the impact we have as leaders and the skills we pass on to our youth members.

Would you recommend these qualifications to others?

Absolutely! I encourage all of my young people to complete VET qualifications. They’re invaluable, not only for school but also because they look great on a resume. These qualifications complement what they’re already doing in Scouts. It’s just a small step further to gain more recognition for what they do.

I aim to champion the Certificate II in Creative Industries and the Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre, and Events—another qualification I hope to achieve soon.

Have you considered what qualifications you might pursue next?

I’m considering the Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs and perhaps the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management too. These might help me demonstrate my skills in managing people and business matters in the workplace.

Any final words?

As a parent, I’m so grateful for Scouts for building good character, providing amazing opportunities, and for being able to use that practical, hands-on learning towards schooling. School can be difficult for many kids, and having a place for young people to grow and build lifelong friendships is so important. A big thank you to SAIT and our assessor Ann for all your help!

Scouts Australia Institute of Training (SAIT) – RTO No. 5443, have been helping Scouts turning their Scouting experiences into Nationally recognised qualifications, unlocking career opportunities since 1996.

The Scouts Australia Institute of Training (SAIT) – RTO No. 5443 continues to enable members of Scouts Australia who have completed learning through either the Youth Program or Adult Training & Development the ability to seek, through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment, nationally recognised qualifications.

Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and adult members with the appropriate learning may enrol to be recognised with full or partial qualifications. Click below button to start your SAIT journey today!