translated from Spanish: Program launched to train mountain tour guides in Chile

Corfo launched the call to apply for the “Specialization Course Guides in Mountain Environment for hiking and trekking activity”, an initiative led by the Corporation and which seeks to train Chilean guides who have experience in adventure and mountain tourism trekking, specifically.
“Today in Chile the adventure sector presents great challenges in terms of human capital, for example, the number of guides with UIMLA professional certification is very low compared to our neighboring countries,” said the executive vice president of Corfo, Pablo Terrazas.
The initiative seeks to “take advantage of the enormous benefits of our mountain range, and for this we need to position Chile as a safe and world-class destination, which contributes to sustainable tourism development. We invite all guides with experience in this sector to participate in the course that will be a fundamental tool for them to become professional”.
This course will be taught by the Andrés Bello University, has 100 places and it is expected that the beneficiaries acquire knowledge in: guiding and leading groups in remote areas; survival (construction of shelters, water purification, obtaining food and others); meteorology and geography; prevention, search and rescue in snow and avalanches; and, in turn, train and become certified in WFR (Wilderness First Responder), a first aid course in wilderness areas.
For his part, the Undersecretary of Tourism, José Luis Uriarte, stressed that “globally we are a destination recognized for its nature and adventure tourism experiences. Proof of this are the multiple awards we have received. To advance in the strengthening of our offer, it is essential to professionalize human capital, which is precisely what this program aims at. In this same sense, delivering a safe experience is key and in this the guides have a preponderant role, especially in an environment like the mountain, which although it offers an opportunity for a unique connection with nature, also carries risks that can be reduced if you have the right knowledge”.
The value of this course is 2,300,000 million pesos, of which Corfo will co-finance 90% and the remaining 10% will have to be paid by the beneficiaries.
Guides who participate in the course and who meet the attendance and academic requirements will be able to obtain: WFR International Certificate of Approval by the National Association for Search and Rescue NASAR; Certificate of Approval of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and USE of AED awarded Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and ACEP American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP); Certificate of B-CON (Bleeding Control) Hemorrhage Management awarded by American College Of Surgeons Committee On Trauma; and ITRA Certificate (International Technical Rescue Association).
The call will be open until September 30 and those interested in applying should visit the site www.becascapitalhumano.cl.

Original source in Spanish