FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide
FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide
The FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) Apprentice Trails Guide qualification is designed for individuals who have completed the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide (NQF2) course and wish to advance their skills and knowledge in conducting guided walking safaris. This qualification equips guides with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely guide guests on foot in areas with potentially dangerous wildlife.
To become a FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide, you need to complete a training course with a FGASA-accredited training provider. The course typically covers the following topics:
- Approaching dangerous game: Learning how to safely approach and observe potentially dangerous wildlife on foot, including understanding animal behavior and implementing safety protocols.
- Navigation and orientation: Developing skills in navigating and orienting yourself in the wilderness using maps, compasses, GPS devices, and natural landmarks.
- Rifle handling and safety: Acquiring knowledge of rifle handling and safety procedures, including loading, unloading, and carrying a rifle in a safe manner while guiding on foot.
- Dangerous game knowledge: Gaining an understanding of the biology, behavior, and ecology of potentially dangerous wildlife species.
- Guiding on foot: Enhancing your guest interaction and interpretation skills while leading walking safaris and providing engaging and informative experiences.
In addition to the theoretical knowledge, the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide course includes practical components that offer hands-on experience in the field, such as participating in simulated encounters with dangerous game, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and conducting walking safaris under the supervision of experienced trainers.
To qualify as a FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Complete the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide course with a FGASA-accredited training provider.
- Hold a valid FGASA Apprentice Field Guide (NQF2) qualification.
- Hold a valid First Aid certificate, usually at least a Level 1 qualification.
- Successfully complete the FGASA Rifle Proficiency qualification, which involves passing both theoretical and practical assessments on rifle handling and safety.
- Log a minimum of 10 encounters with dangerous game on foot, under the supervision of a qualified Trails Guide or mentor.
- Pass the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide assessment, which includes a written test, a practical assessment, and a learner-led walking safari.
Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, you will receive your FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide qualification, allowing you to work as a professional walking safari guide in Southern Africa. This qualification can enhance your guiding career by broadening your skillset and offering a unique and immersive experience for your guests.
Why join the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide?
Joining the FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) Apprentice Trails Guide program can be an excellent choice for those looking to advance their career as a field guide and provide a unique and immersive experience for guests. Here are some reasons to consider joining the program:
- Enhance your skillset: The Apprentice Trails Guide program will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely guide guests on foot in areas with potentially dangerous wildlife. This includes understanding animal behavior, navigation, orientation, and rifle handling and safety.
- Expand your career opportunities: With an Apprentice Trails Guide qualification, you can broaden the range of services you offer as a guide, making you more versatile and employable within the guiding industry.
- Unique guest experience: Guiding on foot allows you to provide a more intimate and engaging experience for your guests, as they can observe wildlife up-close, learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, and better appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.
- Personal fulfillment: As an Apprentice Trails Guide, you can follow your passion for nature, wildlife, and conservation, while sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with others. This can lead to a highly rewarding and fulfilling career.
- Connection to nature: Walking safaris allow you and your guests to become more connected with nature and develop a deeper understanding of the environment, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation.
- Continuous learning: The FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide program encourages continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge and best practices in the industry.
- Networking opportunities: Participating in the Apprentice Trails Guide program allows you to connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for nature and wildlife. This can lead to lifelong friendships, professional connections, and potential job opportunities.
By joining the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide program, you can enhance your skillset, expand your career opportunities, provide unique guest experiences, achieve personal fulfillment, deepen your connection to nature, engage in continuous learning, and develop valuable networking opportunities. These benefits make the program a worthwhile investment for those looking to advance their career as a field guide and offer unforgettable experiences to their guests.