New training tool for Northlink Safety in Society

A look at the new SIS training tool at the Parow Campus of Northlink College

The Safety in Society programme at Parow Campus acquired a new tool in their arsenal to help students in their preparation to become fitter. An obstacle course was installed at the Campus in December 2013. Upon their return in January 2014, they were excited and enthusiastic to start training.

Reasons why the obstacle course is needed:
• It plays an integral part in getting the student fit and ready for the training in law enforcement agencies to which he or she may apply to
• In 2011 the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) requested the Safety in Society focus group to align the fitness programme with that of the SAPD (South African Police Department)
• Delegates from the five FET Colleges namely False Bay (Westlake), Boland (Worcester and Caledon), Northlink (Parow) and East Cape Midlands (Graaff-Reinett), gathered at the Montagu Springs Resort to tackle this task
• This fitness programme forms part of the Safety in Society policing curriculum for Level 2 – 4
• It might look like a lot of poles, but it is a state-of-the-art fitness tool which is in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. When students are recruited into SAPS, the obstacle course is part of their fitness programme, hence the reason for the DHET request.

The course is a multi-facet training tool for the body and addresses cardio, strength and mental ability in one practice session. This guarantees a fitter and vocationally prepared student who will do well in any fitness assessment at any law enforcement agency. It will give them the edge over other applicants who did not attend a Safety in Society programme at an FET College when applying to the law enforcement agencies. The students and staff are looking forward to having hours of “fun” on the obstacle course