iALA Training
BECOMING A MOUNTAIN BIKE & TRAIL RUN EVENT MANAGER (On the job training)
1. Introduction
The iALA (International Academy for Leadership through Adventure) and DIRTOPIA initiative results in offering a training opportunity for young adults wishing to fulfill their dream in the outdoor adventure industry. The GOAL of the program is to give students a chance to gain valuable experience over a period of one year, regarding management and leadership within the mountain bike and trail running industry.
Students undergo basic schooling in group dynamics and leadership, they gain experience in the building, maintaining and management of mountain bike and trail running routes. Theoretical work will be done in Stellenbosch and Stilbaai. Practical EXPERIENCE will mainly happen in Stellenbosch, however, there are opportunities where students can gain experience in other parts of the country. Students can earn their own money while on duty during official events over weekends.
At the end of the year, students will be helped to gain their first formal employment.
2. Training Program
The curriculum is made out of a practical phase as well as a theoretical phase. The practical phase consists of a 40-week program, where intensive project management are being done. Students will learn how to build mountain bike trails, how to construct simple bridges, how to manage their work teams and how to use hazardous farm work equipment.
The following formal training will be offered:
• 4x4 driving course (CETA Accreditation)
• Map work and computer skills associated with route planning
• Group Dynamics
• Logistics
• Basic Ecology
• Bicycle Repair Course
• Photography
• Medical Level 3 (CETA Accreditation)
• Management and Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Project Management (NWU Business School)
The following options can be chosen from. Students will be allowed to take part in any 3 of the following experiences:
i. Fishriver Canyon Hike
ii. Hunt a springbok lead by a PH
iii. SCUBA Openwater diving course (NAUWI or PADI)
iv. Skippers license (CETA Accreditation)
v. Visit the Transkei
vi. Take part of an intensive ocean skills/survival course
3. Evaluation
Students will be evaluated throughout the year. Practical as well as theoretical examinations will take place. Students will pass the year when they have at least an 80 % attendance record as well as 70 % score in the theoretical and practical examinations, combined.
The student will be awarded with a formal qualification.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2016
1. Where does every term start and end?
Each term starts and ends at Stellenbosch. We move onwards from Stellenbosch as the program requires.
2. Can I bring my own car?
• All transport required for course purposes is provided.
• First term: Private motor vehicles are not allowed during the year. Although we understand the need of the student to be independent, experience have shown us that it is unsafe for students to travel around in the cars during training.
• Second term: Own transport will be convenient but not at all necessary. Students will not be allowed to use vehicles during the time in STILBAAI. Vehicles must be locked away for security and safety purposes.
• Third and fourth term:Due to the nature of the program, the use of private motor vehicles is impractical.
3. Is this a full time program?
• The daily iALA program runs from 06:30 to 17:00. There will be a few exceptions during some of the modules. After dismissal at 17:00, supper and then leisure time will follow.
• During the first two weeks students may not go out in the evenings.
• After that students can go where they choose in their leisure time. They will have to obtain permission from the leaders, however, and go out at their own risk.
• Weekends: Most weekends will be free.
iALA provides accommodation, meals and supervision to all students that stay in over weekends.
• Holidays. There will be three holidays as indicated on the program.
4. May students receive visitors?
Parents and friends can visit students by prior arrangement. Time for private appointments, family- and other gatherings, etc., can also be arranged by prior arrangement. Our program follows a philosophy where we allow people to grow and change. Families are therefore important to us.
5. Can the program be changed?
Although everything possible will be done to adhere to the program as indicated, iALA reserves the right to change the program if required. The reasons would be for safety purposes, weather changes and other conditions outside of our control.
6. Medical emergencies
• All staff members are equipped to render emergency care if required. At each station arrangements have been made with local doctors to be available for emergencies at short notice.
• Where applicable, students must ensure that they have all prescribed medication as required with them.
• Students are responsible for all their own medical expenses. Ensuring reasonable safety of all students is of the highest priority.
7. May I bring my cell-phone and other electronic apparatus with and use these?
• Excessive use of and dependency on electronic apparatus is discouraged.
• Cell-phones can be brought with, but have to be switched off while lectures are on.
• iPods, laptops and other electronic apparatus may be used during leisure time.
8. How strictly will students be treated if transgression of the rules should occur?
• Each situation will be treated with discretion and all circumstances considered.
• All decisions will be taken in the interest of the particular student without compromising the rights of the other students.
• Students will receive warnings with first transgressions. This will be followed up by written warnings and the incident will be reported to the parents. Students will be expelled from the program after 3 (three) written warnings.
• We consider alcohol and drug abuse as very serious incidents.
9. What are the rules pertaining to liquor, drugs, smoking and prohibited activities?
• During the course of the program the use of any alcohol without permission and not in the presence of staff, is prohibited.
• Students may not keep their own supply of any alcoholic beverages. The transgression of this rule will lead to suspension without refunding of course fees.
• Drug abuse is unacceptable at all times and if students do not abide by this rule their participation in the course will be suspended without refunding of fees.
• Smoking is strongly discouraged and will only be permissible after hours, out of doors and away from other students. No smoking is allowed during schooling.
• Students will not be allowed to be sexually active whilst on campus.
• Trespassing of these rules will lead to disciplinary measures. Where incidents of general discipline occur, warnings are recorded and parents notified. When three warnings have been issued, a panel of students and personnel will discuss the case with the executive head as the prosecutor. The student in person (not a representative) will state his/her case. The rest of the students and personnel give hearing to the complaint and the outcome of the disciplinary hearing will be determined by the majority vote. Suspension goes with forfeiture of student fees.
10. May I bring music instruments along?
If you have a talent for music and would like to bring a music instrument with, you are most welcome to do so.
11. Relationships amongst students
Relationships between students during the course of the year are not recommended. We as the iALA management are very much aware of the needs of young adults. If we allow the free for all principle, experience have shown us that the situation leads to conflict and misconduct. We understand the human nature, but ask for parents and students to see the year for what it is, and that is to develop as an individual. The extras are a bonus for sure, but we can’t relationships to decoy the intention of the year.
MEDICAL Claims
Students that leave the course on medical grounds, forfeit the course fees that apply to the block during which the ailment occurred.
12. The 2016 FEES
There are 2 (two) options for the fees of 2016. All fees include overnight, meals and tutoring. Medical expenses, visums ext. are not included in this fee.
Option 1 is R108 000. The fee includes extras like a wetsuit and s-shirt and cap for the student.
Option 2 is R130 000. This fee includes the springbok to be hunted in the Kalahari plus a mountain bike and the wetsuit plus t-shirt and cap.
13. PERMISSION FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
The iALA program is a dynamic and unique program. We endeavour to obtain permission to further research in the field of experiential learning. Students will be asked whether they would wish to take part in further studies. Kindly refer to the application form for more information.
Please contact us should you have any further enquiries:
Jan Heenop
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082 455 2875
Georgine Heenop
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082 898 8597
www.iala.co.za
