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Blue Badge Guide Training

Recruitment for the 2012-14  Blue Badge Course has concluded, and the course is now underway. Applications submitted now will be kept on file and considered for the 2014-16 course.

The Blue Badge Guide training course is currently delivered by the Office of Lifelong Learning at the University of Edinburgh and usually runs every two years.

Scottish Blue Badge

Course Structure

This part-time study course includes web-supported learning and requires weekend and summer school attendance at the University of Edinburgh and in the field throughout Scotland. The total minimum learning time amounts to 1300 hours.

The course covers Core Knowledge, Professional Guiding Skills and Area Studies.

The Final Membership Examination, under the control of the STGA Board of Directors, takes 4 days and involves a combination of a written tour plan, practical assessment on walks, site visits and coach tours; written and oral questions on Professional Guiding Skills and Regional Studies.

Requirements

Candidates must have the following recognised and verifiable qualifications or skills appropriate for guiding:

  • a depth of interest in Scotland
  • evidence of academic capability eg diploma and/or STGA Level 6 qualification (Green Badge)
  • basic IT skills
  • at least one of the following:
    • foreign language fluency
    • relevant work experience
    • outdoor activity qualification

Selection includes an interview, followed by an Introductory Course. On successful completion of the Introductory Course, the candidate qualifies for student membership of the STGA and may commence training. Training towards the Final Membership Examinations is provided through our Training Provider, currently the University of Edinburgh, subject to approval of the content and assessment by the STGA Board of Directors.

Costs

All students embarking on the Blue Badge Guide training course are expected to become STGA student members and to pay the respective subscription, currently £125 per annum

Fees for the Introductory Course are £260 and are non-refundable.

Course fees for the main course are £6000, payable in 5 instalments directly to the training provider. Students are expected to finance their own training but help will be given to access methods of funding, where appropriate. Career Development Loans and Individual Learning Accounts [www.ilascotland.org.uk] for those who meet the criteria may be available.

The course fees include University course materials, access to web-based learning materials, lectures, tuition and mentoring as well as tours. At least 40% of tourist guide training is practical and involves extensive travel around Scotland.

STGA Membership Examination Fees will also be payable, currently £330 plus £65 per language.

Please note that all prices given may be subject to change.


For further information or to register your interest please contact our Training Manager, Patricia Blain