Ulovane Guide & Ranger Training

Is a career in the tourism industry what you have chosen to do with your life? If you said yes, then you are looking at the right course!

This structured and focused 6-month journey will have you, the learner, immersed into 6 months of structured and focused learning of Apprentice Field Guide (NQF2), Apprentice Trails Guide, and Marine Guide skills courses.

The approach we take to all our career-orientated courses is outcome-based, with the courses focused on coaching and developing the learner with the necessary guiding skills to be competent to enter the guiding industry at an introductory level.

Each week the courses are structured on a specific set of outcomes and subjects which are evaluated at the end of the week. The layout of the courses is carefully adapted according to the necessary development of the learner.

Qualification includes:

• The Foundation Guide Course (10 Weeks)Includes: Wilderness First Aid Level 2 Certificate
• Apprentice Trails Guide Course (6 Weeks) Includes: Relevant PFTC Unit Standards (Rifle Proficiency), Advanced Rifle Handling, Training and Evaluation of Tracking Skills and 4 weeks of mentored walking hours.
• Marine Guide Course (4 Weeks)

There is a 2-week break between the Apprentice Field and Apprentice Trails Guide courses, and a weekend break between the Apprentice Trails and Marine Guide courses.

Also included:

• Accommodation for the duration of the course
• Conservation Fees
• All meals for the duration of the course
• Uniform provided
• All FGASA Fees (assessment, exam, subscription, registration, moderation, manuals, workbooks, logbooks, prescribed literature, and certification) for the duration of the course
• Formal and Practical Tuition for all the subjects
• Conducting necessary FGASA liaison on your behalf, for the duration of your course

No Work Experience

Dates:

• 03rd October 2022 – 25th March 2023: Ulovane Campus Theory (there is a 3-week break between Fields & Trails)
• Return for Trails 16 January 2023
• 16 January 2023
• 10 April 2023
• 10 July 2023
• 02 October 2023

Empower yourself with knowledge, skills, and confidence!

This 10 – week Apprentice Field Guide qualification is the foundation of our Career Orientated courses. Our Foundation Guide Course focuses on coaching and developing you, the learner, with the necessary guiding skills to be competent to enter the guiding industry at an introductory level. Each week focuses on a specific set of outcomes and subjects which are evaluated at the end of each week.

Our approach to the Foundation Guide Course is outcome-based and focuses on practical and interpretive guiding skills. The Ulovane team believes that by empowering you with the knowledge above and beyond the field guide syllabus, the learner is equipped with the added confidence necessary to enter the guiding industry.

This course is a great experience as a part of a gap year! If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a guide and work in the Eco-Tourism industry then this is the perfect opportunity.

The following subjects will be covered during the Foundation Guide Course:

• Guiding Skills
• Geology
• Astronomy
• Weather and Climate
• Ecology
• Biomes of Southern Africa
• Taxonomy
• Plants and Grasses
• Arthropods
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Birds
• Mammals
• Animal Behaviour
• Historical Human Habitation
• Conservation Management

There are weekly exams that take place on a Sunday morning, in which each week’s modules are covered. These exams ensure that you are on track to write the national FGASA exam at the end of week 10. Sunday afternoon will be your own time for Sunday Funday.

In addition to the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide curriculum Ulovane added the following modules to enhance the guiding skills of our learners and to prepare them thoroughly for the ecotourism industry:

• Vehicle skills and 4X4 Driving skills
• Tracking skills
• Wilderness First Aid Level 2
• Wildflowers
• Hospitality skills
• Presentation and Interpretive skills
• Photographic skills
• The learners will host real guests visiting the Reserve during their preparation and final practical game drive assessments. This gives the learners a real opportunity to make use of their newly gained knowledge and skills which are difficult to simulate with their peers.

The final two Weeks of the Foundation Guide Course include a final practical, theoretical, and interview assessment.

Qualification includes:

• Apprentice Field Guide Skills Program (NQF2)
• Wilderness Level Two First Aid Certificate

Also included:

• Accommodation for the duration of the course
• Conservation Fees
• All meals for the duration of the course
• Uniform provided
• All FGASA Fees (assessment, exam, subscription, registration, moderation, manuals, workbooks, logbooks, prescribed literature, and certification) for the duration of the course
• Formal and Practical Tuition for all the subjects
• Conducting necessary FGASA liaison on your behalf, for the duration of your course

Dates:

• 03 October – 10 December 2022
• 16 January 2023
• 10 April 2023
• 10 July 2023
• 02 October 2023

The Connect Online & Onsite 15 week Apprentice Field Guide course creates a unique opportunity to develop your Career Orientated qualification with more flexible hours by conducting your theoretical training at home followed by concentrated and focused practical training at our Ulovane campus to prepare you for your final practical and theoretical evaluations.

This option to achieve your FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification consists of a structured 10-week Online Nature Enthusiast FGASA Certificate (theory module) followed by a 5-week practical onsite training and evaluations course at Ulovane campus on Amakhala Game Reserve.

The online portion of this FGASA accredited course is operated through the Ulovane E-Learning Portal.

The first part of this qualification consists of a 10-week Nature Enthusiast FGASA Certificate focusing on equipping you with the theory competence of the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification. Each week focuses on a specific set of subjects which will include prepared tutorials, assignments, a webinar session with one of our dedicated and experienced trainers to revise what has been covered during the week and to assist with questions and queries.

Weekly submissions of completed workbook assignments and written exams each Sunday will contribute towards your overall course aggregate. This will evaluate your understanding of the week’s topics and will ensure that you are up to date with your personal development. It is important to take these weekly evaluations seriously because a minimum aggregate of 75% for the weekly evaluations is necessary to qualify for the 5-week practical onsite training course.

In the final week of your 10-week online course, you will have time to prepare for the FGASA Nature Enthusiast Certificate exam. Passing this exam will be your admission and ticket to join the Ulovane 5-Week (35 Days) Onsite Practical Training Course, at our campus based on Amakhala Game Reserve. This 5-Week Onsite Practical Training Course will guide you through your FGASA practical workbook assignments along with the Ulovane Thicket workbook and prepare you for your practical assessment as well as your final FGASA Apprentice Field Guide exam in order to obtain your accredited guiding qualification.

What happens once I have completed the Online Nature Enthusiast Certificate?

Once you have successfully completed the 10-week Nature Enthusiast online certificate you can choose from four starting dates, February, May, August, and November, to start your 5-week intensive practical training course to complete your guiding qualification.

The next 5 weeks will focus solely on your practical application of your 10-week online theoretical research and the development of your guiding skills in order for you to successfully complete your guiding qualification. This will include being out in the field as much as possible, connecting with nature, conducting your practical assessments, and finally write your FGASA theoretical examination.

Weekly completed workbook assignments and exams will once again contribute towards your overall course aggregate during your 5-week practical training module. These exams ensure that you are on track to write the national FGASA exam at the end of your 5-week practical onsite training.

The Connect Online & Onsite 15-week Apprentice Field Guide course is a great choice for those of you who cannot afford to break away for more than two months to follow the full-time Apprentice Field Guide course due to personal responsibilities, but who still want to receive the best training to obtain your guiding qualification.

This choice of obtaining your guiding qualification will require self-discipline and self-motivation to study and work independently during the 10 weeks online Nature Enthusiast certificate. You will have to be able to organize your time daily to ensure a minimum of two hours per day to spend on the online platform during the first 10-week online module.

The Ulovane team fully believes, that by having your theoretical workbooks and research completed before joining us for your 5-week practical onsite training you will have an incredible advantage and you will have the opportunity to interact with your fellow students and our experienced trainers who will be with you every step of the way.

We recommended this course for 21-year-olds and up. 

The following subjects will be covered during the Connect Online & Onsite 15-week course:

• Guiding Skills
• Creating a Guided Experience
• Astronomy
• Geology
• Climatology
• Biomes
• Taxonomy
• Ecology
• Grasses and Trees
• Arthropods
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Birds
• Mammals
• Animal Behaviour
• Historical Human Habitation
• Conservation Management

In addition to the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide curriculum Ulovane added the following modules to enhance your guiding skills and to prepare you thoroughly for the ecotourism industry:

• Vehicle skills and 4X4 Driving skills
• Tracking skills
• Wilderness First Aid Level 2 – Presented by Doug Lang from Medwise Safety
• Wild Flowers
• Hospitality skills
• Presentation and Interpretive skills
• Photographic skills

These subjects will be covered during onsite training.

Unique to Ulovane, you will host real visiting guests to the Reserve during your final practical game drive assessments. This gives you a real opportunity to make use of your newly gained knowledge and skills which are difficult to simulate with peers. A wonderful opportunity and experience to create real guided experiences for real guests.

Included in this qualification:

• FGASA Nature Enthusiast Certificate
• FGASA Apprentice Field Guide Skills Program (NQF2
• Wilderness Level Two First Aid Certificate

Also included:

• Online support and interaction on the Ulovane e-learning platform including prepared lecture presentations, webinars, assignments, exam feedback sessions, and interaction with other students and trainers on the platform,
• Accommodation and all food for the duration of the 5-week onsite training
• Conservation Fees
• Uniform provided
• All FGASA Fees including practical assessment, exam, annual subscription, registration, moderation, manuals, workbooks, logbooks, prescribed literature, and certification for the duration of the course
• Lectures, discussion sessions, game drives, walks, learning activities plus formal and practical tuition on the beautiful and diverse Amakhala Game Reserve and Ulovane campus conducted by highly qualified and experienced trainers
• Organizing all your Necessary FGASA liaisons on your behalf, for the duration of your course

Dates:

• 03 October 2022 – 10 December 202
• Return for Trails & Marines January – March 2023
• Rates and Dates for 2023 – COMING SOON

Minimum of 3 learners to be signed up to run this course.

The beach is calling and you should go!!

This 4-week course introduces you, the learner, to the coastal marine environment. The course is designed for learners who have already achieved the Apprentice Field Guide qualification, and who wish to now specialize in the Marine Environment. We also welcome nature enthusiasts who just want to learn more about the marine environment, from shells to tides, to birds, fish, and everything in between.

The course is undertaken along the beautiful sunshine coast situated in the Eastern Cape. This is an area rich in marine species diversity and boasts the largest dune fields in South Africa. In addition, it is one of the best whale-watching locations in the world. The marine environment is the most important ecosystem on earth and the more you know, the more you will come to understand this.

On completion of the course, the learner will be able to enhance their own guiding portfolio, thus opening a whole new world that links the marine and the terrestrial environment. The course will be facilitated by Marine guiding specialists.

We would like you to be prepared for your course on arrival and will send your books as soon as the deposit is received so that you can start work on your workbooks.

5 Reasons Why you should do this course:

1. When one spends a considerable amount of time on any beach you really start to realize how amazing and complex this big beautiful blue planet really is. The diversity and complexity that the marine habitat offers is truly astonishing. Time spent on the coastline really opens your eyes and there is something about the waves crashing, the smell of the oceans, and the sand under your feet that grabs your inner soul and almost reawakens you.

2. If you are a person and have a love for wildlife in all its diversity your main aim is to protect it and share it with the world. To make people realize how lucky we are to be here and are able to understand and interpret what`s going on. The more people we can have doing this the better we can protect our coastlines. From people doing the marine side of things, they have the knowledge and skills which are needed to ensure that all of this lasts and is able to thrive to new heights. They are also able to explain to people the complexity and threats which occur within the marine environment.

3. If you are a person with a never-ending hunger for knowledge, here is where you need to be. From understanding how our currents & tides work, delving into different types of Algae, understanding different organisms found within the wide range of habitats and their adaptations on how they survive there, Birds of different groups, mammals, reptiles…It is ENDLESS and truly incredible. It makes you realize how astonishing nature is and how she has overcome multiple challenges.

4. Being a marine guide you are really set apart from other guides. People need to be multi-skilled and qualified in a wide range of topics in order to satisfy today`s endless need for knowledge. Having done this qualification opens a whole new unbelievable spectrum into which you can delve into with guests. Having the knowledge and skills will help you to be the best guide you can be and offer the guests the most unbelievable experience ever.

5. Being on the beach and at one with the marine environment teaches you patience and respect and it breaks down the idea of selfishness. It really opens your eyes to what important, what`s needed, and as well as what should be done. You are able to develop your leadership skills, enhance your senses, and situational awareness, and become enriched all around. Because it`s you, it`s me, it`s all of us.

There you have it!

The course outcomes include:

• Introduction to Marine guiding
• Coastal Marine Environments
• Geology and the coastal environment
• Astronomy
• Coastal Weather and Climate
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Taxonomy
• Sea Plants
• Coastal and Marine invertebrates
• Amphibians
• Marine Reptiles
• Marine Fish
• Marine Birds
• Marine Mammals
• Marine Animal behavior
• Historical Human Habitation of coastal environments
• Marine Conservation Management

Also Included:

• Coastal walks, exploring the intertidal rock pools, sandy shores, and dune areas
• Snorkeling, under the instruction of qualified Dive instructors.
• Rhodes fisheries department
• Estuarine boat trips
• Day trips out to sea with Raggy Charters on their various trips. Raggy Charters offers expertly guided whale watching, dolphin watching, and African penguin watching sea cruises in Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth.

There are weekly exams that take place every Sunday morning, in which each week’s modules will be covered. These exams ensure that you are on track to write the national FGASA exam at the end of week 4.

The Marine Guide Course will conclude with a practical, theoretical, and interview assessment.

The Marine Guide course will take place at our Beach house campus in Kleinemond. What better way to learn about the ocean, than with it right on your doorstep!

Qualifications include:

• Marine Guide Specialist Skills Program (NQF2)
• Marine Exam
• Marine field excursions onshore and offshore
• Marine Specialist Assessment

Fees include:

• Accommodation for the duration of the course
• Conservation Fees
• All meals for the duration of the course
• Uniform provided
• All FGASA Fees (assessment, exam, subscription, registration, moderation, manuals, workbooks, logbooks, prescribed literature, and certification) for the duration of the course
• Formal and Practical Tuition for all the subjects
• Conducting necessary FGASA liaison on your behalf, for the duration of your course

Dates:

• 14 November – 10 December 2022
• 21 August – 15 September 2023. This will be an exclusive, magic 4 weeks. Limited spots are available!!