We are delighted to announce a new collaboration between Bushwise Field Guides and the College. Our two organisations have entered into a symbiotic training agreement, focused on trainer transformation and in further developing the gold standard for guide training.
This agreement kicked off in the first week of January 2022. Both Bushwise and SAWC are FGASA endorsed training providers, each bringing unique strengths and resources to this collaboration.
Working together, Bushwise and the SAWC trainers will provide in-person and online training for NQF Level 2 Field Guide Training on the SAWC campus. Training will be conducted collaboratively with leaders from each organisation contributing their unique skill set. This follows a successful earlier collaboration (2008) between our organisations, and we look forward to the results and impact of this new collaboration.
In addressing transformation within the sector, significantly, special emphasis will be placed on increasing the number of historically disadvantaged individuals that go through the field guide training courses. The first intake of students for this specific element will be in July 2022 when the next course begins.
It is envisaged that this collaboration will offer students a best practice, holistic approach to skills development in the fields of wildlife conservation and field guiding. Both organisations are working towards a central part of the collaboration being trainer transformation, where outstanding graduates will continue their training through an internship on the Kempiana property.
This is a very exciting opportunity for both the SAWC and Bushwise students to advance their skills set and begin their careers. The ultimate goal is that selected individuals will then be mentored to become assistant or junior trainers themselves. If we are successful and meet our joint goals, we believe this collaboration will essentially provide more sustainable opportunities to participants’ families and increase diversity within the guiding industry.
Judging by some of the comments made, and despite the hard work required to gain entry into the sector, the next group are in for a real treat.
My time at SAWC so far has been like nothing else I have ever experienced. Being totally immersed in the bush, living and breathing it, has been incredible. I am so grateful to have such an amazing facility to study at!
I've been at the SAWC for three weeks now and I've already had more awesome sightings than I thought I'd have over my 6 month stay! (Lions chasing Wild-dogs and the white lions of the Birmingham pride to name just two of them!)
Since our arrival at the SAWC everyone here has been exceptionally helpful and accommodating. A huge shout out and big thank you to the SAWC!!
