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So how much influence does the Scottish guide training system have on that of WFTGA and FEG? Viola Lewis says it is substantial, but there is a mutual influence. ‘We learn from FEG and WFTGA (and not to forget the Member Associations of both) and we influence and develop training activities of the WFTGA and FEG (and their member associations),’ she says. ‘STGA has been there from the beginning for both the WFTGA and FEG in the mid-1980s. Possibly the 2000s were a big step forward when STGA members were part of developing the EN13809 Definitions and the EN15565 Training Standard in a European arena.
‘This gave the Scottish training a lot of exposure, but I believe also gave our training more structure’ continued Viola. ‘When the WFTGA Convention came to Dunblane in 2003 our guides were ‘on show’ and undoubtedly inspired colleagues from around the world. Even now, almost 20 years later, we are being told at WFTGA Conventions how amazing 2003 was and get questioned on when we are hosting WFTGA again.
‘A similar request for the STGA to host a FEG AGM comes up every year at their AGM when the next venue is decided.’ Norma added.
‘If we are talking substance and what the STGA has influenced, one example is feedback giving, said Viola. ‘I believe that the way we now give feedback in the STGA has greatly informed the feedback giving of both the WFTGA and FEG.
‘Our trainers have also written extensive specialised training material for both the WFTGA and FEG and we have influenced processes and procedures as well as policies and are continuing to do so with Iris Barry as current (2019) Convener of the FEG Training Consultative Group, Viola Lewis as current Head of the WFTGA Training Division and Mary Kemp-Clarke as one of the most active WFTGA Lead International Trainers and current WFTGA Vice President as well as Ros Newlands as WFTGA President Emeritus.
So why has the STGA had such an influence?
‘Probably because STGA members contributed to discussions, conventions and projects of FEG and the WFTGA and attended the WFTGA and FEG trainer training,’ said Viola. ‘Often, they then got asked to take up certain positions in these organisations. For instance, Ros Newlands presented the 2003 Dunblane bid and eventually became WFTGA President. Mary and I attended the WFTGA and then FEG Trainer Training – initially because we wanted to learn for the Scottish training in our roles as Training Manager and Blue Badge Course Director. Then we got asked to work internationally. Although I volunteered for many STGA roles in the past, I didn’t volunteer for either becoming Convener of the FEG Training Consultative Group nor Head
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