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Youth Access: Conservation Bridging Programme

Course ID
Youth Access
Department
Occupational Programmes
Level
NQF Level 4
Instructor
Various instructors
Method
Campus, Work Place Integrated Learning
Duration
21 weeks

The need to protect the environment through preserving ecosystems and conserving biodiversity in order to achieve sustainable development through community engagement prompted the need for a youth programme that would be catalytic for climate change mitigation.

Purpose

The Youth Access: Conservation Bridging Programme aims at youth interested in a career in Conservation and Leadership. The programme focuses on exposing the learner to different aspects of the College’s learning programmes that will prepare the learner for different career paths based on their aspirations.

The 2025 programme aims to achieve conservation outcomes such as species conservation and ecosystem restoration both inside and outside protected areas. The aim is to equip youth with skills and knowledge in computer operation, communication and environmental management. The Youth Access Conservation Bridging Course aims to provide youth from local communities access to further education and training, as well as access to workplaces for practical application of what is learnt in class.

Learners undergo contact-training sessions at the College for four months and are then placed in host/employer organisations/longitudinal project sites for practical application to enhance the learning experience. During the practical/application session, learners actively participate in day-to-day activities of the host institution/longitudinal site with the help of a dedicated mentor who signs off learners on achievement of applied knowledge per specific outcome.

Exit opportunities, which will require further education and training after completion of the programme and having been bridged, include:

  • Field Ranger,
  • Nature Conservator,
  • Field/Nature Guide,
  • Office Administrator,
  • Assistant Researcher,
  • Data Capturer,
  • Social Ecologist,
  • Entrepreneur etc.

The aspects which are addressed as part of the Bridging Programme are as follows:

Course 1: Basic Computer Skills

On successful completion of the Basic Computer Module, the youth would be able to:

  • Identify and use computer hardware and software components for the production, retention and printing of documentation
  • Use and apply spreadsheet application software for production, retention and printing of documentation
  • Understand and use internet communication effectively for a variety of purposes
  • Use and operate a computer effectively for use in the workplace
  • Use and apply PowerPoint for purposes of communication and presentations
  • Utilise a Learner Management System effectively

Course 2: Communication Skills and Mathematical Literacy

This module aims to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Understand the communication model and communication theories in support of the principles of effective communication
  • Define, illustrate and evaluate communication barriers and employ verbal and non-verbal communication skills in the operational environment
  • Employ communication skills in the drafting and preparation of reports according to operational requirements.
  • Understand and examine the importance and impact of effective communication in an organisation
  • Use effective communication skills for the planning, preparation and execution of presentations.

The maths literacy component of the programme aims to impart knowledge and skills in the following areas of mathematical literacy:

  • Numerical Literacy
  • Finance
  • Data and Chance
  • Measurement
  • Space and Shape
  • Patterns and Relationships

Course 3: Future Eco-Ranger Programme

This Programme’s purpose is to prepare learners to use knowledge of biodiversity monitoring, processes, concepts, systems, living and non-living organisms within the ecology and wildlife conservation context. This will enable the learner to perform tasks that are aimed at contributing to effective conservation of biodiversity and protection of natural resources, plants and animal species in and outside the protected areas. 

Occupational tasks associated with the Programme

  • Biodiversity monitoring
  • Control of invasive alien species
  • Contribute to the protection of wildlife
  • Assist in data collection for field surveys on biodiversity, habitat and natural resources status
  • Map areas and species needing special attention using GIS software
  • Monitor natural resources and catchment areas
  • Perform self-protection and Health * safety-related tasks within biodiversity monitoring context

Course 4-Business-Purpose Firearms Training (Security Officer)

This component aims to equip the youth with firearms training for business purposes. This training would help youth that want to exit into Field Ranger training or those aiming to work in a Big Five area where firearms competency is a must. The programme prepares the competent learner to the introductory concepts of law enforcement to act as a security officer and provides the basis to work in asset management and access control to secured property. It covers outcomes required for the attainment of PSIRA Grades E, D and C.

Purpose

To allow competent individuals to legally operate as Patrol Security Officers and Access Control Officers, including High Risk area supervision of lower-grade security officers. The individual would then register with SASSETA as a security Officer to work in the private industry where skills to use security equipment are obtained.

Outcomes: On successful completion of the Security Officer Training, the learner will be able to:

  • Acquire skills to conduct access and control
  • Conduct evacuations and emergency drills
  • Legally register with PSIRA Grades E, D and C
  • Work in the Private Security Industry with knowledge of what is expected to uphold the law as Security Officers
  • Patrol as a Security Officer and use security equipment
  • Conduct evacuations and emergency drills
  • Prepare the learner to register at PSIRA Grades E, D and C

Programme Duration and Costing

Costing includes tuition, meals and accommodation at the College

Excluded in the costing is the following:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Travel to and from the College on commencement and completion of training

The Bridging Course will be rolled out over 21 Weeks.

Bridging Course Summary- Duration

Programme

Duration

Costing

Basic Computer Skills

1 week

R3,650.00

Communication and Maths Literacy

4 weeks

   R16,300.00

Future Eco-Ranger

15 weeks

   R55,000.00

Business-Purpose Firearms Training

1 Week

      R5,050.00

 

  

R80,0000.00

 

Funding will however be sought to help support historically disadvantaged students enrolled on this programme. 

Bursary support

Limited bursaries awarded to successful candidates, cover course fees, accommodation and meals. 

Contractual and cancellation penalties will apply. 

Course requirements

  • Must have a matric (Grade 12) certificate or equivalent. English and Mathematical Literacy to be amongst the subjects at Matric Level
  • Must be computer literate and have access to the internet (an added advantage)
  • The course is presented in English. All students MUST be FLUENT in written and spoken English.
  • Must be willing to share accommodation when selected for the programme
  • Must have proof of medical fitness
  • Must be physically fit and able to participate in physical exercises

Students will then be selected from an interview to understand their motivation and assess their attitudes.

ApplyEnquiries

For further information on the Youth Access: Conservation and Environmental Education Bridging Programme please contact us below:

ApplyDownload Prospectus