My BTEC

As a six month intern with GVI’s Amazon Expedition, I have had a lot of opportunities to develop my personal and professional skills. For the past five weeks I have been working on receiving an advanced certificate in supervision of biological surveys, which is part of the BTEC qualification offered on this GVI programme.

So far, I have completed weekly assignments about the surrounding habitats and the species they contain, survey logistics and health and safety. The hands-on learning experience has been amazing and the knowledge of the staff is beyond impressive.

So, now it is time for my final assessment: leading an amphibian survey under the observation of a staff member. This includes; preparing all the survey equipment, signing out a medical kit and radio, giving a pre and post survey briefings and covering all health and safety issues.

Despite having participated in surveys many times, I can’t help but be nervous about leading one. However, I love demonstrating what I have learnt about the projects in the last five weeks, and I am constantly improving my ability to lead surveys in the future! Wish me luck!

Mel Forbes - GVI Amazon Conservation Intern, Jun-Dec 2010

My BTEC