The training bursaries are only available to those who excel during the selection process. Candidates must have their grade 12 qualifications and be under 21 years of age.
The bursaries are for a full year of training at Stanford Lake College and include meals, accommodation and basic clothing. The bursary is valued at R45 000 (Forty Five Thousand Rand). During this time the students will learn specialist adventure sports, communication skills and other aspects related to the adventure tourism industry. At the same time they will gain first-hand practical experience by being actively involved in preparing, managing and delivering the events. However, our biggest objective is to help each individual break from the shackles of the township – they need to find and have confidence in themselves as skilled, talented roll players in the adventure tourism industry.
Initial orientation
This is a three-month introductory segment of their training phase. These will be intense months where the focus will be on getting all the trainees onto the same page, mentally, physically and psychologically. During this time they will learn the basic skills that will see them through and introduce them to the rest of the year:
n Self motivation
n Physical training and self awareness
n Our environment in relation to adventure tourism
n Personal hygiene and physical appearance.
n Basic rope skills
n Adventure sports
n Aptitude tests
During this time students will also receive a monthly allowance of R200 pm to assist them with their personal day-to-day personal expenses.
Specialist introductory courses
The purpose of this module is to expose the trainees to a number of different adventure sports so that they acquire the grounding to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their own specialist fields within the adventure tourism industry.
It is important for the trainees to realise that there is no substitute for experience and experience can only come with time. These introductory courses are aimed at getting the trainees to the starting line and not to instructor level. Simplistically, in relation to industry norms, during the introductory phase, they will be trained up to ‘level 2’ from which they will receive log books. For the rest of the year they will log up hours in their logbooks. More important, they will log up hours and hours of first hand, hands on experience.
Event management
On Track Club presents more than 30 events each year. These events range from simple mountain biking races to full blown, international, expedition races like the South African Adventure Racing Opens and Morgan’s Run.
In terms of their training, the trainees will be involved with every facet of presenting adventure-sporting events. These events provide the perfect opportunity for trainees to put their new found skills to the test and at the same time they learn the ropes with regard to presenting and managing events.
Assessment and Accreditation
By the end of their bursary year the trainees should have found the path that suites them best. During October and November they will attend a series of ‘level 3’ accreditation courses ranging from high ropes skills, to river guiding to first aid.
At this point in time the trainees will have earned the certification that will make them sought after employees in any adventure tourism company. From here on they will have choices with regard to the careers available to them. Those that excel will be invited to join On Track Club’s apprenticeship phase.