Prospectus for Green Badge Tourist Guide Training Operational Area: North East Scotland Aberdeen, the Shire and Environs - 2021 Prospectus for ...
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The Scottish Tourist Guides Association
2020 - 2021
Prospectus for Green Badge Tourist Guide Training
Operational Area: North East Scotland
Aberdeen, the Shire and Environs
SCQF Level 7
Guide Training Programme
Accredited by
The Scottish Tourist Guides Association
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 20201. Programme Aims:
This training programme would interest those who would like to work part-time or full-time as a tourist
guide. Those who wish to meet people; locals and from many other parts of the world who arrive in
the area by land, sea, or air.
The programme aims to prepare students to enter the tourism industry as professionally
qualified, tourist guides for the North East of Scotland tourism region.
Registered tourist guides are qualified by assessment and examinations that is administered
by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. Students that are successful in these examinations
will be awarded the STGA’s Level 7, Green Badge for the North East of Scotland.
The qualification is recognised throughout the tourism industry as a symbol of quality.
The Green Badge Training Programme is designed to prepare students for the STGA Green
Badge Accreditation Examination.
The Course study area covers the North East of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Environs, Moray,
Angus, Dundee and Fife. Those who complete the Course satisfactorily and pass the Green Badge
examination will be able to work as STGA Green Badge guides throughout this regional operational
area. The Course is run through STGA Guide Training.
2. Programme Objectives:
By the end of the programme students will have and be able to:
➢ Will have developed a good knowledge of different aspects of the area through the
core knowledge programme provided by the University of Aberdeen
➢ Demonstrate an understanding of the area using the foundation knowledge of the
online course and further knowledge gained through personal research to achieve a
good balance of interest to satisfy the needs of visitors.
➢ Understand the need for good timekeeping and setting an appropriate time schedule
➢ Understand the meaning of the term ‘Duty of Care’ regarding the health and safety of
visitors and staff connected with the schedule
➢ Demonstrate an ability to work as an individual as a leader and as a team member
➢ Demonstrate management skills when dealing with matters arising from: bad
weather, road closures, late arrivals, etc.
➢ Demonstrate a range of effective and appropriate communication skills
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 20203. Programme Content:
The programme is split into four components.
a) Core Knowledge: covers a wide range of subjects including, geography, geology,
history, archaeology, architecture, landscape, religion, industry and agriculture, local
language, government, education, and more.
b) Local and Regional knowledge of the area will include field trips and visits to sites
within the area that are tourism destinations.
c) Professional Guiding Techniques, which include the development of communication
and presentation skills for guiding on foot and in sites and on a moving vehicle,
(which is normally a coach).
d) Business and Marketing Skills – working as a self-employed tourist guide within the
tourist industry. Those participants who are already self-employed do not need to
engage with this component. (provide by the University of Aberdeen.
4. First Aid Certificate
The student is also required to attend a Fist Aid course and hold a recognised
certificate. The participant will be given advise of which courses are suitable.
The participant will choose and organise their own attendance for first aid training.
Participants who already hold a first aid qualification should ensure that their
qualification is valid and up to date.
The first aid course is not organised by the STGA or the University of Aberdeen.
5. Full Programme
A full detailed programme will be issued at the start of the Guide Training
Programme.
6. Course Structure
The Training programme will be delivered in four integrated modules.
Core Knowledge Provided by the University of This module will be provided
Aberdeen through an online course covering
topics relating to the study area of
North East Scotland
Regional Studies Provided by STGA Trainers Familiarisation trips within the area
of study with site visits.
Professional Guiding Provided by STGA Professional Skills including
Skills group management, health and
safety, guiding on moving vehicle
and conducting a walking tour.
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020Core Knowledge
These modules will be taught through interactive courses. The delivery of these courses will
incorporate slide presentations, talks, seminars, group work, individual presentations, role
playing, practical training on walks, sites and moving vehicles, online resources, study away-
days, personal development goal-setting, written and practical assessments and ongoing
feedback and discussion. It is essential that students have regular access to a computer, email
and a printer, and are fully competent in their use.
Regional Studies and Guiding Skills
Regional Studies and Professional Skills will only be delivered by active accredited Guides
and Guide Trainers. These filed trips will allow participants to become familiar with the area
and visitor attractions
MODULE COURSE NOTES – CONTACT HOURS
Modules
Core Knowledge 70 Hours
Professional Skills and Area Studies 170 Hours
Self-Directed Studies 600 hours
STUDENT REQUIREMENT
It is essential that students have regular access to a computer, email and a printer, and are
fully competent in their use.
To get the best from the programme the student should aim to attend all sessions.
While we understand that life happens!
4
STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020HOW TO APPLY FOR THE COURSE - STAGES FOR APPLICATION AND COMPLETION
OF THE COURSE
• Apply to the University of Aberdeen
• Complete the North-East Scotland: History, Landscape, Culture and Economy short
course with the University of Aberdeen.
• Apply to the STGA to register for the Guide Training Programme
• Complete the Business Skills module if required
• Complete an appropriate first aid course of your choosing.
• Apply to the STGA to register for the Guide Training Programme
• Complete the STGA Professional Skills Training Programme.
• Pass the STGA final assessments to achieve a Green Badge certificate.
APPLYING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN for the
NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND: HISTORY, LANDSCAPE, CULTURE AND ECONOMY
COURSE
This course is being delivered by the University of Aberdeen and is accredited by the STGA.
This link will take you to the University’s website where you can find course information and
a link to registration.
The online link on STGA’s website will take you to the University site
FREQUENCY OF DELIVERY
University of Aberdeen Application to this course is ongoing.
NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND: HISTORY, Interested parties can apply at any time.
LANDSCAPE, CULTURE AND ECONOMY
COURSE
Scottish Tourist Guides Association Tourist Guide training programme will run
PROFESSIONAL TOURIST GUIDING once in each annual cycle.
SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME Commencing mid-May as indicated
below.
PLANNED DATES FOR STUDY
The calendar below demonstrates how the blended learning between the University of
Aberdeen and the Scottish Tourist Guides Association is planned.
The Core Knowledge online course runs continually. Interested parties can sign up at any
time.
Regional studies and Professional Skills are blended through May and June 2020 and
continue through to the end of March 2021. All classes will be held in Aberdeen and all regional
study trips will start in Aberdeen.
The programme dates include the dates for assessment and examination.
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020ASSESSMENT DURING THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
During the regional studies – one route will be studied and assessed on a coach, walk and
site.
• Assessment on a coach, walk and site
• A three-day tour plan assignment. Open book and will include a viva with the assessor.
• Written exam with three papers.
• Interview for professional guiding skills and group management, health safety and food
and drink.
GETTING STARTED
1. Sign up with the University of Aberdeen Online Course
2. Complete the STGA Application Form to register your intention of joining the Guide
Training Programme.
3. Attend the fact finding/get to know you interviews in May. Each participant will be
able to sign up for an interview time slot.
4. Interviews will be held centrally in Aberdeen.
5. Introductory Weekend – held in MacRobert Building, University of Aberdeen
Campus
CALENDAR OF DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020-2021
2020
MAY Sat 23 May Introductory Weekend
Sun 24 May Introductory Weekend
JUNE Sat 6 Jun Guiding and
Communication Skills
Sun 7 Jun Guiding and
Communication Skills
JULY/AUGUST Summer Break
SEPTEMBER Sat 12 Sept Guiding Skills
Sun 13 Sept Guiding Skills
Sat 26 Sept Guiding Skills
Sun 27 Sept Guiding Skills
OCTOBER Sat 10 Oct Guiding Skills
Sun 11 Oct Guiding Skills
Sat 24 Oct Guiding Skills
Sun 25 Oct Guiding Skills
NOVEMBER Sat 14 Nov Guiding Skills
Sun 15 Nov Guiding Skills
Sat 28 Nov Guiding Skills
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020Sun 29 Nov Guiding Skills
DECEMBER Sat 12 Dec Guiding Skills
Sun 13 Dec Guiding Skills
WINTER BREAK
JANUARY Sat 9 Jan Guiding Skills
Sun 10 Jan Guiding Skills
Sat 23 Jan Guiding Skills
Sun 24 Jan Guiding Skills
2021
FEBRUARY Sat 6 Feb Guiding Skills
Sun 7 Feb Guiding Skills
Sat 20 Feb Guiding Skills
Sun 21 Feb Guiding Skills
MARCH Sat 6 Mar Guiding Skills
Sun 7 Mar Guiding Skills
Sat 20 Mar Guiding Skills
Sun 21 Mar Guiding Skills
END OF COURSE
COST OF COURSE
COURSE FEES
The Lecture programme run by the University of Aberdeen will cost £515.00.
This fee is paid directly to the university.
GUIDE TRAINING PROGRAMME
Regional Studies and Professional Skills. Cost of the programme is £1300.00.
This is paid to the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
STGA Student Membership subscription will be due upon successful acceptance onto the
Training Programme. The purpose of the student membership is to provide insurance cover when
the group are engaging with class and regional studies. Student Membership is £55.00 for the duration
of the course.
FINAL STGA ACCREDITATION EXAM
The final STGA Accreditation Exam will be under the control and supervision of the STGA
Board of Examiners and the STGA Training Manager. The STGA Board of Examiners is a
separate and independent body from the Training Programme process. This exam will be
conducted in English.
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020The final STGA Accreditation Exam will include
• Practical guiding by coach, on a Walk and in a site
• Practical guiding in built up environment and in the countryside
• Written examination – three papers
• Three-day tour plan – open book assignment defended by a VIVA
• Interview covering Professional Skills and Food and Drink
The pass mark required for a Green Badge tourist guide at the Final STGA Accreditation
Exam is 60%.
There is a separate fee of £200.00 is charged for the STGA Membership Exam.
NOTE:
Extra cost may be incurred where a student does not live locally in the Aberdeenshire area.
In this case a participant may face extra travel cost and may also need to pay for overnight
accomodation.
All students will be required to purchase maps of the study areas and for self-study it is
advised to buy site guidebooks and books. Not all information is available on the internet.
LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT
Language Assessments are carried out for candidates who are proficient in a language other
than English.
The language assessment includes assessment on a coach, walk and site.
An interview with the language assessor which involves translation techniques, translating a
menu, food and drink.
A separate fee is charged for the language assessment and will be advised.
DEFINITION OF A TOURIST GUIDE
Definition of a Tourist Guide: EN 13809 of
the European Committee of Standardisation
(CEN)
A person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural
heritage of an area which person normally possesses an area-specific qualification usually issued
and/or recognised by the appropriate authority.
In Scotland the STGA is the only authority under the terms of the definition.
The above definition is distinct from that of a tour manager, tour director or escort as
defined by CEN as follows:
Person who manages an itinerary on behalf of the tour operator ensuring the programme is
carried out as described in the tour operator's literature and sold to the traveller/consumer and
who gives local practical information. Tour managers may or may not be tourist guides as well.
They are not trained or licensed to work in specific areas unless they have the proper
requirements or legal right, depending on the region.
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STGA – Prospectus for North East Green Badge Course – February 2020EMPLOYMENT OF GUIDES IN SCOTLAND
Scottish Tourist Guides (Blue and Green Badge) are self-employed, freelance guides and work
for a variety of clients including tour operators, cruise ship ground-handlers, conference
organisers, corporate clients, public bodies and individual visitors. Blue Badge guides are
qualified to guide throughout Scotland and Green Badge guides are qualified within a specific
region of Scotland.
STGA members and affiliates are usually self-employed and as such are responsible for
generating their own income. The amount and type of work undertaken by individual members
varies considerably. Most members travel with visitors on extended tours of a general or
specialist nature. Some members do only part-time or local guiding from choice. Guides need
to be flexible and some combine guiding with other work. It must be appreciated that demand
for guides fluctuates markedly with the seasons and global economic changes.
THE SCOTTISH TOURIST GUIDES ASSOCIATION
One benefit of membership is a full-page listing online for every Full Members through the STGA
website. The STGA
has a centralised booking service as a facility to its members and the travel trade, but our members
receive over 90% of
their work from other sources. Most members develop good working relationships with various agents
and obtain direct
repeat bookings. STGA also markets all Full Members through industry contacts and government
organisations and
attends appropriate international trade fairs and promotional activities.
BENEFITS OF STGA MEMBERSHIP
• Green Badge issued by STGA
• Professional Indemnity and Public Insurance through the STGA
• Listing on STGA website
• Automatic inclusion in STGA Booking System through online enhanced entries
• Access to STGA online Member’s Forum and Resources
• Access to Continuous Professional Development scheme
• Participation in activities organised by STGA and its Regional Branches
• Representation at all levels of the Tourism Industry in Scotland and beyond
• Membership of FEG (European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations) and the WFTGA
(World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations).
• Marketing Opportunities
• Networking Opportunities
FURTHER ENQUIRIES
CONTACT:
Patricia Blain – STGA Training Manager - Email: training@stga.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7944470371
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