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Introduction to Our Training Programs

YOUR HOSTS & HISTORY OF TRAINING
Kevan Bracewell comes from a Cariboo-Chilcotin pioneer ranching family and is a third generation guide outfitter. Sylvia Waterer has a graduate degree in tourism and resource management. Since 1990, we have combined our knowledge and skills to develop and conduct training programs. People from all over the world, from all walks of life, have graduated from our programs and have gone on to fill the employment needs of the adventure tourism industry throughout the world.

PROVINCIAL PERSPECTIVE
Research indicates that the number of British Columbians that have entered the guide outfitting and adventure tourism workforce has increased substantially. The average growth rate of employment within these sectors of tourism is projected to exceed that of the provincial employment growth rate.

The demand for professional and qualified guides is increasing, and shortages represent major constraints. Current provincial and national training initiatives are not keeping up with the growing demands of the industry.

BACKGROUND
Our Wilderness Guide Training Programs are intended to increase the supply of qualified guides in the industry, and assist in the diversification of the guide outfitting industry into adventure tourism.

Chilcotin Holidays is a Licensed Guide Outfitting business that offers outdoor adventure products during four seasons within our 6,000 square km guide territory. In addition to our Wilderness Guide Training Programs, we offer guide outfitting, fishing, pack trips, guest ranch adventures, grizzly viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and winter adventures such as sleigh rides, snowmobile tours and ski tours. This mix of outdoor adventure products offered by Chilcotin Holidays to clients world wide provides a forum for a wide range of year round and seasonal employment, and allows us to conduct training that is diverse and comprehensive.

TRAINING PROGRAMS
The overall objectives of our programs are to provide participants with a solid base of combined working knowledge and practical skills.

The programs are based on the theory that the fastest way to learn is by doing. That’s right. Students are actually out there alongside their instructors getting first hand experience at “the real thing”. The hours are long and the work is challenging, but the rewards are many.

Programs begin in the spring so that graduates who choose to work in the industry are better able to put in a full season of employment.

Programs are all inclusive and include accommodation, meals, horses, equipment and instructors. Participants are responsible for their personal gear, such as footwear, clothing and sleeping bag. Transportation is available between Vancouver and our Ranch via our Chilcotin Express.

“The Guide School was the best experience for us. We started a Horse Trekking business in our country as Guides. Since the weeks in British Columbia, we make horse shoeing ourselves with our horses.”
Conny & Axel Lohse, Friemar Germany