Neville Prentis (aka Uncle Nev), recognised as one of the top Savannah tour guides, has been working in tourism for over 30 years and has just completed his Certificate III in Tourism with the Far North Training & Consultancy (FNTC)  in Mossman.

After recognising that Mr Prentis had extensive skills and knowledge in the tourism industry, Brooke Rigby and Liz Ross from (FNTC) explained to him the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) whereby the candidate participates in what is called “competency conversations” based on their knowledge and skills.

The Australian Qualifications Framework explains it as an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

This means that the individual instead of studying, a competency conversation describes their knowledge, skill and learning together with meaningful and relevant evidence.

Mr Prentis was asked to gather as much evidence of his work experience throughout the years in order to support the RPL.

“At first he came to us with a one page email from a customer.  So we helped by first starting on Trip Advisor and there was obvious good customer service so Neville could get recognition for that.  Also talking with his supervisors at Billy Tea Safaris and as a Savannah Guide and the professional development that he has done over the years.  He then started bringing in all this information from what he called his “glory box” as well as awards he had won and pictures and evidence of his experiences.

“The process started about six months ago and then we had the competency conversations where we have a look at the different units and match them up with the requirements,” explained Brooke Rigby from FNTC.

Born and bred in the area Mr Prentis said he has always had a passion and interest in wildlife, nature and the environment and history. 

“I’m mad on history and indigenous culture. I learnt about the indigenous culture by working with them and assisting in days before the government got involved,” said Mr Prentis.

When asked why he took on a Cert III in Tourism, Mr Prentis said, “you can never stop gaining knowledge, it’s about gaining knowledge and team work.”

“I was talking to Liz and Brooke and I said I should do that and so I decided I would do it.  Not only does it increase my knowledge but it enhances the professionalism of tourism and I think a lot of tour guides should do something like this as well as anyone involved in tourism,” said Mr Prentis.

Over the course of years excellence in customer service has been Mr Prentis’ greatest asset winning awards through CTA, TTNQ and Trip Advisor he said.

“I am humbled by it because there are thousands of people in tourism who are probably better if not more knowledgable.”

FNTC’s Liz Ross advised that in the case of Neville, his knowledge was extensive, his understanding of the tourism industry and the importance of being a tour guide was not only a passion but it was evident his ability to convey what he new was exemplary, which made him an ideal candidate for RPL.

“It’s one of the ways the government is looking at training is to recognise people who do have extensive knowledge, not to just say Neville here’s a book and him going away and saying this is how you study up on customer service.  

“Talking to Neville it becomes very obvious very quickly that he has a passion for what he does so when you have a passion and a deep desire to do something and to do it well, you find that they’re the people that you would be insulting them by giving them the online module on customer service or the work book and asking them to answer the questions or do it in a small group.  

“We are required under our guidelines to say to everyone who comes and enquires about a course would there be a possibility that you would be eligible for RPL.

“We got a lot of excitement from Neville because it reassured in us that knowledge is power. If we want our economy to move forward, if we want our people to be successful, training is really important, as well as ensuring staff have adequate training and they know their processes.” said Liz Ross.

The advice Mr Prentis would give to anyone thinking about training who may be putting it off because of age or no formal training is, “pick up the phone and ring Brooke”, he said with a laugh.

“Gaining my Cert III in Tourism has been fantastic and I am over joyed.”