As an alternative to an Instructor course, Instructor candidates can obtain training, assessment, and certification through a process of mentorship. Typically a candidate would apprentice with an Instructor Trainer(s) during the appropriate course. During the first apprenticeship course the instructor candidate participates as a helpful observer. Following successful participation in the first course the instructor candidate participates in a second course, undertaking greater leadership responsibilities. Upon successful completion of this second course, the candidate may earn the appropriate certification. Instructor Trainer(s) must provide the candidates a written outline of the duration and requirements for completing certification by means of mentorship.

• The candidate must demonstrate all the skills and knowledge requirements as outlined for the instructor courses.
• The candidate must complete all assessment tasks as outlined in the instructor course including requirements for written examinations and submission of course outlines.
• Mentorship for Instructor Level-2 and above must incorporate two supervising Instructor Trainers.
• During an apprenticeship experience in a Level-2 (or above) course only one Instructor Trainer is required to be present. However, over time the apprentice must work with 2 different Instructor Trainers to obtain Instructor certification at Level-2 or above.
• Mentorship must include full participation in not less than two registered Paddle Canada courses appropriate to the level of certification being assessed.
• The duration of a mentorship must meet or exceed the duration of the comparable Paddle Canada Instructor course.
• All experience credited for a mentorship must be conducted during Paddle Canada registered courses.
• Mentorship must be conducted by Paddle Canada Instructor Trainers
• Prerequisites for relevant Paddle Canada skill levels must be completed prior to participation as an apprentice in a mentorship process.
• A certified Instructor working to upgrade their Instructor certification can participate on a course as an Assistant Instructor on record, allowing for 2 more course participants, as outlined in this manual.
• An assisting instructor can concurrently work on a mentorship.
• The limit of one instructor Assisting remains in place for all Courses.