Taronga Training Institute is offering Learning and Experience internships for people wanting to work in education, interpretation or guiding in the wildlife tourism industry.

Government funded positions are available

Aboriginal Discovery Host with Nura Diya Tour

Interns will work alongside Taronga’s Learning and Experience team to gain the relevant skills associated with a diversity of programs in this field.

On completion of this internship, participants will receive a Certificate III in Tourism and employment opportunities may include:

• Zoos, wildlife parks,theme parks (attractions attendant, retail assistance, guest services, discovery host)
• Guiding (tour guide, specialist guide, activities coordinator, ranger)
• Visitor Information Services (bookings, visitor information officer)
• Tourism operations (museum attendant, office assistance)

Duration

This part-time internship two days per week theory and one day per fortnight practical for 6-months. Interns will also be required to undertake some coursework in their own time, including visiting a range of different Tourism organisations.

Course Start Date

13 January 2014

Who Can Apply

• Applicants who are 18-19 years of age who are not formally enrolled in school. Applicants must have been in paid employment for more than 15 hours in the week prior to 13 January 2014;
• Applicants who are 20 years of age or over who are not formally enrolled in tertiary education. Applicant must have  been in paid employment for at least one hour in the week prior to 13 January2014;
• Holders of an Australian Citizen or a foreign national with Australia permanent residency or a New Zealand passport holder who has been resident in Australia for at least six months or a Humanitarian refugee;
• A NSW resident or a person who works in NSW;

Or

• Someone who does not fit the criteria above but would like to apply for a full fee paying position at $2200.

How to Apply

To apply for the Learning and Experience Internship download and complete the Learning and Experience Application Form (click here for application) and email it to enrolmentstti@zoo.nsw.gov.au For further information call 02 9978 4746 or visit www.taronga.org.

Course Cost

For eligible participants, this training is funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Government. An enrolment fee of $396 applies. Accepted interns will be required to purchase a Taronga Training Institute uniform. The enrolment fee and any other associated costs are non-refundable. A number of full fee-paying positions are available.

Course Location

The course classroom sessions are conducted at Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman NSW Australia.

Entry Requirements

Interns must meet the selection criteria and demonstrate good English skills, written and verbal, and basic numeracy skills.

Course Provider

Taronga Training Institute, a Registered Training Organisation No. 91359, is the course provider for Certificate III Tourism. Taronga is a leading wildlife tourism attraction and operates both Taronga Zoo (Sydney) and Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo).

Assessments

Course assessments are a combination of written answers to questions, reports, case studies, projects, practical activities, observations of students performing tasks, self-assessments and supervisor reports.

Pathways

Upon successful completion of SIT30112 Certificate III in Tourism, further study options may be available external to Taronga Training Institute including SIT40112 Certificate IV Guiding, SIT50112 Diploma of Travel and Tourism.

Course Number and Name – SIT30112 – Certificate III Tourism

Core Units

SITXWHS101 Participate in safe work practices

SITTIND201 Source and use information on the tourism and travel industry

SITXCCS303 Provide service to customers

SITXCOM201 Show social and cultural sensitivity

Elective Units

SITXCC201 Provide visitor information

SITXCOM202 Provide a briefing or scripted commentary

SITTGDE303 Lead tour groups

SITTGDE304 Prepare and present tour commentaries and activities

SITTGDE309 Prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments

BSBSUS201A Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

HLTFA311A Apply First Aid

SIRXSLS201 Sell products and services

SITXHRM301 Coach others in job skills

ACMGAS201A Work in the animal care industry

ACMGAS102A Catch and handle a range of quiet animals

Note: All 15 units (core and elective) must be completed to gain the Certificate III Tourism.

Content

The Learning and Experience Internship covers the following topics:

• Senior First Aid
• Leading tour groups
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Interpreting cultural and heritage environments
• Presenting tour commentaries and activities
• Interpreting flora and fauna
• Environmental sustainability
• Providing information to visitors and onsite briefings
• Understanding of the tourism industry
• Cultural awareness
• Organisation and time management
• Providing on-the-job training
• Animal handling and procedures
• Products and service knowledge
• Work health and safety
• Communications, customer service and team work

Refund Policy

Internship applicants are advised to give careful consideration to applying for the Learning and Experience Internship – (Certificate III in Tourism). There are a limited number of positions and students are only eligible for refunds if the Taronga Training Institute cancels the course.

Withdrawal and Deferral Policy

Successful internship applicants may withdraw up to 30 days prior to the course commencement date in writing. Within 30 days no refunds apply. There are no deferral opportunities for internship positions

Intern Support Services

Interns will be supervised at all times and support services are available. Please contact us for more information or visit www.taronga.org

Downloads: 

Learning and Experience Application