Bushwise: training for a career in the bush
One thing has become certain about the economic upheaval of the last decade: nothing is certain. Many of the jobs have become redundant, new careers and industries have sprung up and others have died out. Tourism has become more important than ever to the economies of countries with abundant natural resources.
This is why working with endangered wildlife in conservation and ecotourism is becoming a vitally important and increasingly attractive career option for school leavers and nature lovers in South Africa and around the world.
More and more young adults are choosing to follow their dream of contributing to the conservation and continuing survival of the pristine habitats and endangered species of southern Africa and are seeking accreditation with FGASA (Field Guides Association of South Africa) to allow them to achieve the required qualifications to reach their goals. Bushwise has built a reputation of excellence as a leading FGASA-accredited training provider in the safari tourism industry through the top-ranking courses it offers and provides students with all the necessary skills and qualifications required not only to enter, but excel in, one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. The Bushwise courses are some of the most inclusive and well reputed available and career prospects include not only field guiding, but high-level jobs in safari tourism, reserve management, conservation research and big game management.
Work placement
Bushwise offers a 23-week training course including both the essential theoretical and practical elements that blend together to take raw young environmental enthusiasts and turn out well-balanced, highly knowledgeable and well-qualified, career-ready individuals.
From the theoretical part of the course, soaking up the wisdom and life lessons of experienced, qualified rangers and environmentalists, to the practical element in the bush where students will hone their bush skills from 4X4 driving and certification, wilderness first aid, exposure to dangerous game, advanced rifle handling, trails guide theory and extensive bush knowledge - including FGASA Level 2 knowledge base, geology, reserve management, animal behaviour, birding and cyber tracking, the Bushwise FGASA training courses are some of the most comprehensive of their kind.
The course can be followed by a six-month work placement, arranged by Bushwise, allowing students the invaluable experience that is strongly required by future employers and a unique and enviable foot in the door to a far-reaching career. Placements are arranged at some of South Africa's most exclusive game reserves and pioneering wildlife research bases, and options in 2015 will spread into neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Botswana and internationally.
Bushwise also offers hospitality internships at South Africa's luxury safari lodges providing those with experience or training in the hospitality industry with unique safari industry experience to take their Hospitality career to the next level.
For more, go to www.bushwise.co.za.
