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VTC master trainer application

Thank you for your interest in the Vertical Training Commission of the National Speleological Society. The Master Trainer Course is the first step towards becoming a qualified VTC Master Trainer. For more details on the process of becoming a qualified VTC Trainer: Trainer Qualification Procedures.

What is the VTC master trainer Course?
The master trainer Course is not a next-level of the Vertical Training Commission. The skills taught in this course are intended to be utilized to teach future trainers of the VTC how to provide best quality courses for future students. The master trainer course is designed to enhance your instructional skills and to provide you with a review of the VTC curricula, policies & procedures, and rigging skills necessary for successfully instructing new VTC trainers on how to work with VTC students.

To successfully complete the course, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in teaching, exhibit detailed knowledge of the VTC curriculum and policies, and pass all skill checks and written tests. You will be expected to teach the curriculum in a positive, professional, and effective manner.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

NSS Number(Required)

Why would you like to be a VTC Master Trainer:(Required)

Tell us why you are interested in becoming a master trainer, why you believe you would make a great VTC Master Trainer, how this will benefit your community.

What is your previous involvement with VTC? (check all that apply)

Completed a VTC Level 1 course as a student

Helped teach a VTC Level 1 course as a specialist

Previously applied to be a trainer or other VTC position

Previous or current VTC staff

Other

Other VTC Involvement

Technical and Training Experience

Caving experience (hours underground)(Required)

less than 50

51 - 100

101 - 250

250 - 500

500 - 1000

1,000+

Describe your general caving experience(Required)

Vertical experience, including any relevant rigging and rescue work(Required)

None

Can Rig pitches with no intermediate anchors

Can rig pitches with intermediate anchors (e.g. rebelays and deviations)

Can rig releasable systems

Arborist background

Has rescue training

Other (please describe)

Vertical cave rigging and rescue experience(Required)

VTC courses taught(Required)

None

1 class

2 classes

3+ Classes

Please list the VTC course locations and dates that you have instructed and which roles (specialist or trainer) that you have functioned in

VTC courses organized(Required)

None

1 class

2 classes

3+ Classes

Please list the VTC course locations and dates that you have organized and which roles (specialist or trainer) that you have functioned in

Experience in Training Others(Required)

(check all that apply)

None

Leads grotto horizontal caving trips

Leads grotto vertical caving trips

Assists with informal vertical trainings (e.g., grotto vertical workshops or practices)

Leads informal vertical trainings (e.g., grotto vertical training sessions)

Assists with formal vertical training courses

Leads formal vertical training courses

Professional Instruction

Academic Instruction

Other

Briefly describe your experience in training others:(Required)

Ability to organize events and manage groups(Required)

(may be non-caving related events)

None

Organized one to two events

Organized three or more events

Regularly organize events

Have served on a planning committee for a large event

Other

Briefly describe your event planning and management experience:(Required)

Descending Systems

Can operate/lock Off

Micro Rack

Bobbin

Open Frame Rack

Experienced in teaching

Micro Rack

Bobbin

Open Frame Rack

Can cross mid-rope obstacles (rebelays, deviations, knots)

Micro Rack

Bobbin

Open Frame Rack

Ascending Systems

Can operate/changeover

Frog

Mitchell

Texas

Rope Walker

Experienced in teaching

Frog

Mitchell

Texas

Rope Walker

Can cross mid-rope obstacles (rebelays, deviations, knots)

Frog

Mitchell

Texas

Rope Walker

Supporting materials

Resume Upload

If you have a caving or professional resume that you believe would support your application, you may upload it here.

Accepted file types: pdf, txt, doc, docx, rtf, Max. file size: 12 MB.

Recent Photo(Required)

Please upload a photo in PNG, HEIC, or JPG format and where you are easily recognizable.

Accepted file types: jpg, png, heic, Max. file size: 20 MB.

Your application packet may include the following (optional):

Short 2-3 minute video of yourself speaking (please upload to YouTube and provide the link) using one of the below prompts:
1. Explain your vertical system (how to optimize your gear set)
2. Tell us why you would like to be a Mater Trainer, your strengths & possible contributions to VTC
3. Tell us about a time that you’ve managed a difficult situation in a group setting
4. Tell us about a time you've given constructive feedback on a peer's technical or teaching interaction with students

YouTube video link

Additional supporting materials that may be referenced while evaluating your application:

You may use this space to provide additional supporting information regarding your skills, experience, motivation, and/or previous engagement with VTC.

Letter of recommendation

Please email the link below to the person writing your recommendation.

Letter of Recommendation Form

To copy: https://caves.org/vtc/rec-letter

Donate Today

Donations help VTC operate and provide scholarships. Your help is always needed and appreciated as we work to train interested cavers in safe vertical caving practices throughout the United States.

Donate Now!

NSS Vertical Training Commission

6001 Pulaski Pike
Huntsville, AL 35810-1122 USA
(256) 852-1300

nss@caves.org

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