With only eight places available for the August intake of the Diploma in Professional Dive Instruction course at Dive Zone Tauranga demand is expected to be high as students snap up the chance to become world class instructors.

The one-year course, which starts August 5, offers the highest level of training and qualifications needed for employment anywhere in the world. 

Dive Zone Tauranga co-owner Liz Plank says the course provides students with incredible career opportunities.

"This Diploma programme is the only one of its type in the world, where you can train full time for a year to become a dive instructor. 

"We have alumni students from our course working in some of the most exotic dive destinations around the world.  Tammy is working is Vietnam, Sam in Qatar, Calum in Rarotonga, Raiki, Summer, Ben, Caley and Erin in Australia and Jarrod in Fiji, and that’s just for starters."

The programme attracts students leaving school and young adults, already working, but sick of the ho hum of everyday life and looking for a life changing opportunity.

"One of our instructors, Niki, is in his 40’s and he was a beekeeper," explains Liz. 

"He decided on a lifestyle change, trained with us with the thought he would only go as far as becoming a Divemaster.  But he loved the course so much he carried on to instructor level and has been working with us as an instructor for the past 3 years.  He now takes our diploma programme."

As well as learning to dive, the course offers personal development, growth and skill building.

Dive Zone Tauranga takes dive trips on their luxuriously appointed dive boat.

"Our students learn so much on the course about themselves. 

"They build perseverance and determination, they learn how to relate really well to other people and develop strong leadership skills.  It’s a very well-rounded course and being only one year long, the students stay motivated and engaged, knowing they will be ready to take the next exciting step in their future in just a few short months."

Students on the course complete at least 100 dives, both in the Bay of Plenty and at other dive sites throughout New Zealand.

They are taken on trips away to experience other New Zealand dive regions and invited out on Dive Zone Tauranga’s weekend boat trips for free. 

"Students also get the opportunity to teach real students before they leave," says Liz.

"It’s one thing simulating the experience with your classmates in our teaching room and dive pool, but it is completely different teaching real people in the ocean."

An added bonus is that the course runs 4 days a week, which also allows students a good work/life balance with space for students to work part time elsewhere or simply have some relaxing down time.

Dive Zone Tauranga is looking for people who love the outdoors and nature, yearn to travel, love meeting people and seek adventure.

Students learning to dive at Dive Zone Tauranga's state-of-the-art teaching facilities.

"It’s an amazing course and known for producing really good dive instructors," says Liz.

"So we want the right students applying, the ones who will grab this opportunity with both hands. 

"We are always really proud when our students graduate as we witness so much growth in them throughout the year, in particular with their interpersonal and communication skills.

"When they start with us, they may be a young school leaver, not that certain about themselves, but by the time they leave they are outgoing, confident dive instructors ready to take on the world."

The course is an NZQA recognised qualification meaning eligible students can apply for Fees Free and Study Link Benefits. 

The course starts August 5 and is made up of two qualifications The NZ Certificate in Diving and the NZ Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction. 

"If you think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you.  Come and learn to dive with us and dive into a lifetime of adventure."

Applications are now open.  To find out more visit https://www.divezonetauranga.co.nz/diploma-in-professional-scuba-instruction