Professional Guiding Programmes |
Professional Field Guide Level 1 Course Duration: 6 months to 1 year • Training component - 6 months full time training • Workplace component - 6 months (Optional – placement is subject to successful completion of all modules) Course Dates: 17th May 2010 - 15 November 2010 14th February 2011 - 15 August 2011 Closing date for registration: 4 Weeks prior to course commencement (Late registrations will be considered on special application of SA students only) Certification:
FGASA Level 1 (Full) FGASA Level 2 (Theory) FGASA Back-up Trails Guide (Subject to conditions) SASSETA Rifle Handling Certificate (Subject to conditions)
Bhejane Nature Training Certificate of Successful Completion – Professional Field Guide Level 1. (Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about industry certification and training authorities such as THETA, FGASA or SASSETA..)
THETA Unit Standards: US 8478 – Create and conduct a guided experience for customers US8456 – Conduct a limited guided nature experience US8459 – View potentially dangerous game SASSETA Unit Standards: US 117705 – Knowledge of the firearms control act 60/2000 US 119651 – Handle and use of a manually operated Rifle or Carbine US 123519 - Handle and use of a manually operated Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes Why choose a six month programme, when there are so many 1 month programmes available? One glance at the curriculum covered for Level 1 training should answer this question. At Bhejane, we believe that 6 months is the minimum period of tuition for a level 1 guide to be declared competent. There are a great many guides that complete a quick training programme and immediately start working, only to find that they are not fully prepared for everything that is expected of them. We follow a learning philosophy that enables you to gain confidence and demonstrate skill in every area of learning before you qualify with your Level 1 qualification. To guide, is to lead. Being a leader requires personal skills and emotional intelligence. Our 6 month training programme will not only ensure a good working knowledge of the natural environment, but will help you reach your full potential as a confident and able group-leader. Syllabus: We focus not only on the mainstream field guiding skills needed for guiding at upmarket lodges on Big 5 reserves, but also introduce you to new emerging niche eco-tourism markets such as Birding, Butterflying and Marine Guiding.
guides available for the traditional Big 5 guided experience, there is a growing demand for guides with some specialised knowledge that can guide tourists "off the beaten track". We will give you the competitive advantage by providing you with training that can be used to later specialise in your chosen field of interest. Admission Requirements: Minimum recommended age is 18. Valid Drivers Licence: Level 1 practical guiding assessment can be done both on foot and in a game drive vehicle. Only students with a valid driver’s licence will get assessed in the vehicle as well. An acceptable standard of English literacy for second language speakers is required to successfully complete the programme. English literacy at Grade 10 is the minimum requirement. MODULES: 1. Orientation: The first week of training takes the form of an orientation session. The aim of this module is to assess the students in terms of several life skills and guiding abilities. This is mostly a diagnostic aid to assist the facilitators and instructors to bond with and get the know the individual students and to give the students a chance to settle in before staring their formal training. Several fun activities (not to be given away here!) form part of this week. 2. Nature Guiding Theory and Knowledge component FGASA Level 1 Theory assessment FGASA Level 2 Theory assessment The full FGASA Level 1 and 2 theory components are covered in this module. Please refer to www.fgasa.org.za for the complete FGASA Syllabi for Level 1 and 2. 3. Practical Guiding Skills Practical guiding skills such as rifle handling, driving skills, communication and interpretation skills and situational awareness form part of this module. In addition we include training and preparation on essential Life Skills for Guides and Your guiding career path. 4. Wildlife Tourism in South Africa General Knowledge for Guides including an overview of the cultural landscape. Interactive experiences with local Thonga and Zulu cultures. Discussion topics surrounding conservation ethics and the hunting industry, responsible tourism and social issues. We also look at the new emerging niche ecotourism markets and specialisation within the guiding industry. 5. Trails Guiding The full FGASA Trails Guide theory component is covered in this module. Please refer to www.fgasa.org.za for the complete Trails Guiding Syllabus. 6. Introduction to Marine Guiding (NEW) We spend two weeks at camps in Sodwana Bay, exploring the marine and coastal environment, that forms part of the Sodwana and Kosi Bay sections of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. An optional extra to this component of the programme includes training for your PADI diving qualification in one of Southern Africa's most sought after diving destinations. Dive training is done in association with Coral Divers. 7. Practical training and excursions: All theory and practical training will take place on local wildlife reserves. Students will receive practical training in a variety of diverse habitats ranging from Lowland Bushveld and Riverine Forest to Sand Forest. These are some of the most spectacular habitats in Southern Africa. All of the Big 5 are represented and in addition the diversity of plant, and bird life is simply staggering. The northern Zululand reserves are simply some of the most beautiful and spectacular in Southern Africa, providing for a truly memorable experience. We also visit local reserves to learn about different types of guiding such as guiding on horse-back, boat safaris, wilderness trails and marine guiding. Books and Equipment • Prescribed FGASA books are not included in the price of the programme. Students will receive a pre-scribed book list on registration. • Equipment such as binoculars are not included. • A complete set of uniform is included in the price. • Bhejane Nature Training Manuals are included in the price. Facilities Students are accommodated in 2 bed en suite thatched huts. The camp does have electricity and all meals are prepared by the fully trained camp staff. Cell phone reception is average in the central areas of the lodge. Sodwana Bay - students stay in two man tents. Electricity and running water is available. Our instructors: All instructors are recognised FGASA trainers and assessors and are registered with the relevant training authorities such as THETA and SASSETA to conduct assessment on national qualifications and unit standards. Students will receive more information about their trainers upon registration. Dive training is conducted by PADI Dive Instructors at Coral Divers. Please contact us for more information and registration forms. Affiliation and Accreditation |
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