Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training Programme
Kickstart your career in conservation technology with the free, online Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training. Designed to help you build in-demand skills, this course opens the door to a career path from entry-level Technician to leadership and consulting roles in protected areas. Whether you're just starting out or looking to shift careers, you'll gain practical knowledge co-developed by industry experts—plus the chance for sponsorship and hands-on field training. You’ll finish with job-ready skills to support vital conservation technologies.
Earn Entry-Level Certification, with the option to pursue a globally recognised extension to Advanced Cisco Certification.
ONLINE COURSE
- 10 video courses to earn your PAT certificate
- Learn anytime, anywhere, study at your own pace
- Take the next step and qualify for an official Cisco certification
IN FIELD PRACTICAL
- Top candidates can apply via open call to exclusive practical training
- Taught by industry experts
- Hosted on-site in South Africa or Kenya
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
- Candidates selected for 2-month internship at a leading protected area
- Gain hands-on technician experience
Subject Areas
Tools for Informed Decision Making
Infrastructure Fundamentals
Networking and IoT
Deploying Devices
Data Management
Software Integration
Cybersecurity
Maintenance and Sustainability
Collaboration and Management
With our partners, we are excited to welcome you. As a Protected Area Technician, you’ll keep conservation teams connected, systems secure and data flowing. Your work will make a real difference to conservation. We hope to see you in the field soon.
Doc Watson
Training Courses
000
Trained Sessions
000
Trained Technicians
000
Internships Awarded
FAQ's
Do I need any qualification to take the course?
No, the course is open to any interested parties who have a passion for conservation and an interest in technology. Participants will need to be literate, have access to internet and a computer.
What language is the course?
The initial course is in English and depending on the demand, we may consider translating it at a later stage.
How long is the theoretical component?
The total course is estimated to take XXXX hours to complete. It’s an online course, which you can complete part-time at your own pace.
Do we need to attend lectures?
No, it’s all online and you can take part from anywhere in the world.
How is the course delivered?
It is presented on the Moodle platform, in a series of videos, presentations and online tasks.
What are the costs?
The theoretical component is freely available to anyone who would like to register. The top successful candidates will be selected for the practical, but space is limited to 20.
Can everyone do the practical?
No, the space is limited to 20 people in South Africa and 20 in Kenya. Candidates are selected based on their results when completing the theoretical component.
Where is the practical taking place?
We have identified two locations suitable to host the practical. One is in South African and the second in Kenya.
Can everyone do the scholarship?
No, this is an open call, where candidates are nominated for the scholarship. Candidates will be hosted at our partner protected areas and space is limited.
Support Us
Donate today to develop the next cohort of Protected Area Technicians.
Support local people to develop in the PAT career path. Developing urgently needed capacity to support critical protected area technologies around the world.