LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

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TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II COURSE

The TESDA Course in LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II consists of competencies that a person must achieve to assist and guide the tourists and coordinate their itinerary from the day of arrival at a specific destination up to the day of departure. They serve as constant traveling companion for the tourists and see to it that whatever is contracted by the tour operator abroad is given as per contract as specified in the itinerary.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Tourism Sector (Travel and Tour).

A student who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:

  • Local Guide

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to enroll in these course qualifications should possess the following requirements:

  • can communicate in English both in the oral and written form; and
  • can perform basic mathematical computation.

This list does not include specific institutional requirements such as educational attainment, appropriate work experience, and others that may be required of the trainees by the school or training center delivering the TVET program.

LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration :

(Basic Competency) 18 Hours
(Common Competency) 18 Hours
(Core Competency) 160 Hours

Total Duration: 196 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of an individual in the field of LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II such as coordinating tour program/itinerary; guiding and accompanying tourist in a locality in accordance with industry standards. It covers the basic, common and core competencies.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE CORE COMPETENCIES (160 Hours)
TRS5113116 Research information relevant to locality and tour Itinerary
TRS5113117 Coordinate tour arrangements for clients
TRS5113118 Accompany and guide clients in accordance with the tour itinerary
UNIT CODE COMMON COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)
TRS311201 Develop and update industry knowledge
TRS311202 Observe workplace hygiene procedures
TRS311203 Perform computer operations
TRS311204 Perform workplace and safety practices
TRS311205 Provide effective customer service
UNIT CODE BASIC COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)
500311105 Participate in workplace communication
500311106 Work in a team environment
500311107 Practice career professionalism
500311108 Practice occupational health and safety procedures

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in LOCAL GUIDING SERVICES NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in TOURISM PROMOTION SERVICES NC II.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : RESEARCH INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE LOCALITY AND TOUR ITINERARY
UNIT CODE : TRS5113116

This unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to access and research information about a specific location/destination for developing and completing the itinerary of a tour package. The local guide always undertakes this competency whenever the itinerary includes extra-ordinary sites and sights.

  1. Source information
    • Research sources and appropriate methodologies are selected based on the type of information sought
    • Essential information on the locality/ destination is identified
    • Local sites, sights, events and features are identified in consultation with other tour guides, colleagues and company officials
    • Sites and sights are assessed for client suitability including:
    • accessibility
    • features, benefits and significance
    • environmental impact; historical value
  2. Arrange information
    • Researched information is classified, arranged and filed for reference
    • Multiple components to create maximum value and interest are combined and integrated
    • Information researched are classified and filed in a logical manner according to client’s interest
    • Company officials are informed of changes in costs of tour components based on researched information
    • Revised costs structures to include full details of all changes, inclusions, exclusions and add -on are presented to company officials
    • Changes in response to feedback from visitors/colleagues are reviewed and adjusted
    • Legal requirements are checked and incorporated in the files based on national and local statutes
  3. Develop tour scripts and commentaries relevant to the tour itinerary and/or to the interest of the clients
    • Tour spiels are developed in accordance with requirements of specific tour itineraries or specific clients of the locality
    • Appropriate commentary and tour spiels are prepared based on research conducted
    • On a case-to-case basis, tour spiel are tailored-fit to the interest of the clients
    • Commentary and tour spiel that are acceptable to the clients, without political or religious attachments are developed
    • Tour spiel and itinerary are presented to the tour operator for information prior to implementation

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : COORDINATE TOUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR CLIENTS
UNIT CODE : TRS5113117

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for coordinating the tour arrangements included in the tour itinerary and making provisions for additional changes and revisions as contracted by a tour operator or tour organizer.

  1. Perform pre-arrival checks
    • Inclusions of the tour itinerary are determined as to client’s requirements
    • Tours components that are for the visitors’ personal account are determined based on enterprise policy
      Reserved tour components are verified and changes effected as necessary
    • Required tour documents are collected and cash advances are secured, as necessary
  2. Coordinate tour arrangements
    • Delivery of tour components are supervised in accordance with tour arrangements
    • Compliance of suppliers of reserved tour components are checked
    • Proper accounting of money paid or accounts dues to and from visitors and/or suppliers are conducted based on enterprise instructions and procedures
    • Relevant information on the suppliers services, amenities and facilities is provided
    • Optional visitors’ request from the suppliers are facilitated
    • Visitors are politely reminded to pay for all expenses of a personal nature
  3. Resolve complaints and other emergencies
    • Resolution of complaints and other emergencies are given assistance based on enterprise policy
    • Nature of complaint with supplier concerned is evaluated
    • Appropriate solutions are determined and applied
    • Concerned government authorities are notified about the situation whenever necessary
    • Tour operator or organizer are notified about the situation
    • All incidents are documented in final report
  4. Perform post-departure activities
    • Revisions and cancellations of services rendered or not rendered are reported in accordance with enterprise guidelines and procedures
    • Additional revenue or expenses incurred are accounted
    • Clients’ feedbacks are reported based on enterprise policy
    • Report on expenses incurred in connection with the tour itinerary submitted

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : ACCOMPANY AND GUIDE CLIENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TOUR ITINERARY
UNIT CODE : TRS5113118

This unit covers the knowledge and skills required for accompanying and guiding clients, perform safety practices and resolve complaints and other emergencies in locality as contracted by a tour operator or local organization.

  1. Meet and assist the clients upon arrival at the destination
    • Composition and responsibility of the local tour guide are determined as per company policies and procedures
    • Arrival schedules are checked
    • Reservations of the tour itinerary are double-checked
    • Tour itinerary is checked for compliance with clients’ requirements
    • Clients are met and greeted at the gateway
    • Clients are segregated from the general crowd to give welcome briefing before boarding
    • Clients’ baggage is checked and boarded
    • Clients are accompanied to the place of lodging and a welcome spiel and relevant commentary are delivered
    • Assistance is provided with the registration formalities at the place of lodging during check-in
    • Clients are reminded of the next activity
  2. Accompany and guide the clients while on tour
    • Appropriate attire is worn during tour
    • Personal hygiene as per accepted social norms is observed and practiced
    • Pick up points, routing and stopovers are coordinated with tourist vehicle driver
    • Clients are provided with a summary of the days’ activities – routings, stop overs and durations at the start of the activity
    • Clients are provided assistance and questions/concerned are addressed
    • Clients movements are properly and safely managed during tour stop overs and walkabouts
    • Head counts are conducted before starting the tour, during and after the activity – or whenever or wherever possible
    • Optional tours are recommended and sold
    • Clients are reminded of safety precautions
    • Vehicles are checked for belonging left behind after every tour
    • Situation awareness and presence of mind is practiced at all times to prevent accidents and other unforeseen situations
  3. Deliver of information, tour spiels and commentaries
    • Relevant and timely commentaries are provided
    • Relevant and timely instructions are provided, when needed
    • Proper posture and position is assumed at all times
    • Commentaries are delivered with proper voice modulation and pronunciation
    • Appropriate terminologies and up-to-date information are used at all times
    • Positive interaction and rapport with visitors is developed and practiced
  4. Resolve complaints and other emergencies
    • Complaints are addressed and referred to the person/s concerned
    • Visitors comfort is ensured throughout the tour
    • Stress situations are avoided and handled tactfully
    • Damage control in abnormal situations is adopted without blaming anybody
    • Tour operator is notified of the remedial measures in abnormal situations
    • Best solutions to abnormal situations are determined and applied with the company’s approval
  5. Provides send-off assistance in hotel departure formalities
    • Assistance is provided with check-out formalities at the place of lodging in accordance with establishment procedures
    • Collection of luggage and boarding of visitors’ luggage are overseen
    • Return of hotel room keys or room access cards are overseen
    • Visitors are accompanied to the departure place – airport, pier or bus station
    • Relevant information en route is provided and bade good bye to visitors
  6. Develop tour guide – tour driver work relationship (teamwork)
    • Coach current registration is checked
    • Driver’s complete name is sought and rapport is established before the tour begins
    • Sound system (PA) and microphone are double checked
    • Cleanliness and condition of the coach are always checked, especially the defective seats or armrest
    • Full loaded first aid kit in the coach and fire extinguisher are checked
    • Driver is made familiar with the given itinerary – routes and stopovers – before the tour starts
    • Driver’s attitude and protocol to passengers are observed and corrected gently, if driver has an attitude problem
    • Things left behind inside the coach after the tour are double-checked
    • Driver’s meals and physical condition are checked, especially on long trips
    • Whenever applicable, assistance is provided to the driver when unexpected developments occur(eg.flat tires)
    • Due recognition is given to driver for a job well done

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEVELOP AND UPDATE INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
UNIT CODE : TRS311201

This unit of competency deals with the knowledge, skills required to access, increase and update industry knowledge. It includes seek information on the industry and update industry knowledge.

  1. Seek information on the industry
    • Sources of information on the industry are correctly identified and accessed
    • Information to assist effective work performance is obtained in line with job requirements
    • Specific information on sector of work is accessed and updated
    • Industry information is correctly applied to day-to-day work activities
  2. Update industry knowledge
    • Informal and/or formal research is used to update general knowledge of the industry
    • Updated knowledge is shared with customers and colleagues as appropriate and incorporated into day-to-day working activities
  3. Develop and update local knowledge
    • Local knowledge is developed to assist queries on local/national tourism industry
    • Local knowledge is updated using informal and/or formal research
    • Contact with local communities is maintained
  4. Promote products and services to customers
    • Promotional initiatives are described that may be used to promote products and services
    • Selling skills are applied according to customer needs

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: OBSERVE WORKPLACE HYGIENE PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : TRS311202

This unit of competency deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes in observing workplace hygiene procedures. It includes following hygiene procedures and identifying and preventing hygiene risks.

  1. Follow hygiene procedures
    • Workplace hygiene procedures are implemented in line with enterprise and legal requirements
    • Handling and storage of items are undertaken in line with enterprise and legal requirements
  2. Identify and prevent hygiene risks
    • Potential hygiene risks are identified in line with enterprise procedures
    • Action to minimize and remove risks are taken within scope of individual responsibility of enterprise/legal requirements
    • Hygiene risks beyond the control of individual staff members are reported to the appropriate person for follow up

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM COMPUTER OPERATIONS
UNIT CODE : TRS311203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes and values needed to perform computer operations which includes inputting, accessing, producing and transferring data using the appropriate hardware and software

  1. Plan and prepare for task to be undertaken
    • Requirements of task are determined
    • Appropriate hardware and software is selected according to task assigned and required outcome
    • Task is planned to ensure OH & S guidelines and procedures are followed
  2. Input data into computer
    • Data are entered into the computer using appropriate program/application in accordance with company procedures
    • Accuracy of information is checked and information is saved in accordance with standard operating procedures
    • Inputted data are stored in storage media according to requirements
    • Work is performed within ergonomic guidelines
  3. Access information using computer
    • Correct program/application is selected based on job requirements
    • Program/application containing the information required is accessed according to company procedures
    • Desktop icons are correctly selected, opened and closed for navigation purposes
    • Keyboard techniques are carried out in line with OH & S requirements for safe use of keyboards
  4. Produce/output data using computer system
    • Entered data are processed using appropriate software commands
    • Data are printed out as required using computer hardware/peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
    • Files and data are transferred between compatible systems using computer software, hardware/peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
  5. Maintain computer equipment and systems
    • Systems for cleaning, minor maintenance and replacement of consumables are implemented
    • Procedures for ensuring security of data, including regular back-ups and virus checks are implemented in accordance with standard operating procedures
    • Basic file maintenance procedures are implemented in line with the standard operating procedures
    • Document systems are maintained

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM WORKPLACE AND SAFETY PRACTICES
UNIT CODE : TRS311204

This unit of competency deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes in following health, safety and security practices. It includes dealing with emergency situations and maintaining safe personal presentation standards.

  1. Follow workplace procedures for health, safety and security practices
    • Correct health, safety and security procedures are followed in line with legislation, regulations and enterprise procedures
    • Breaches of health, safety and security procedures are identified and reported in line with enterprise procedure
    • Suspicious behavior or unusual occurrence are reported in line with enterprise procedure
  2. Perform child protection duties relevant to the tourism industry
    • Issue of sexual exploitation of children by tourist is identified
    • National, regional and international actions are described to prevent the sexual exploitation of children by tourists
    • Actions that can be taken in the workplace are described to protect children from sexual exploitation by tourists
  3. Observe and monitor people
    • Areas and people who require observation and monitoring is prepared
    • Observation and monitoring activities are implemented
    • Apprehension of offenders are determined
    • Offenders are arrested according to enterprise procedures
    • Administrative responsibilities are fulfilled
  4. Deal with emergency situations
    • Emergency and potential emergency situations are recognized and appropriate action are taken within individual’s scope of responsibility
    • Emergency procedures are followed in line with enterprise procedures
    • Assistance is sought from colleagues to resolve or respond to emergency situations
    • Details of emergency situations are reported in line with enterprise procedures
  5. Maintain safe personal presentation standards
    • Safe personal standards are identified and followed in line with enterprise requirements
  6. Maintain a safe and secure workplace
    • Workplace health, safety and security responsibilities are identified
    • Framework to maintain workplace health, safety and security are maintained
    • Procedures for identifying and assessing health, safety and security hazards and risks are implemented
    • Injuries, illnesses and incidents are investigated
    • Organization’s health, safety and security effectiveness are evaluated

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PROVIDE EFFECTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE
UNIT CODE : TRS311205

This unit of competency deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes in providing effective customer service. It includes greeting customer, identifying customer needs, delivering service to customer, handling queries through use of common business tools and technology and handling complaints, evaluation and recommendation.

  1. Greet customer
    • Customers are greeted in line with enterprise procedure
    • Verbal and non-verbal communications are appropriate to the given situation
    • Non verbal communication are observed when responding to customers
    • Sensitivity to cultural and social differences is demonstrated
  2. Identify needs of customers
    • Appropriate interpersonal skills are used to ensure that customer needs are accurately identified
    • Customer needs are assessed for urgency so that priority for service delivery can be identified
    • Customers are provided with information 2.4 Personal limitation in addressing customer needs is identified and where appropriate, assistance is sought from supervisor
  3. Deliver service to customer
    •  Customer needs are promptly attended to in line with enterprise procedure
    • Appropriate rapport is maintained with customer to enable high quality service delivery
    • Opportunity to enhance the quality of service and products are taken wherever possible
  4. Handle queries through use of common business tools and technology
    • Common business tools and technology are used efficiently to determine customer requirements
    • Queries/ information are recorded in line with enterprise procedure
    • Queries are acted upon promptly and correctly in line with enterprise procedure
  5. Handle complaints/conflict situations, evaluation and recommendations
    • Guests are greeted with a smile and eye-to-eye contact
    • Responsibility for resolving the complaint is taken within limit of responsibility and according to enterprise policy
    • Nature and details of complaint are established and agreed with the customer
    • Threats to personal safety are identified and managed to personal safety of customers or colleagues and appropriate assistance is organized
    • Appropriate action is taken to resolve the complaint to the customers satisfaction wherever possible
    • Conflict situations are resolved within scope of individual responsibility by applying effective communication skills and according to enterprise policy

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

  1. Obtain and convey workplace information
    • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
    • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
    • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
    • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
    • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
    • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
    • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
  2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
    • Team meetings are at ended on time
    • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
    • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
    • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
    • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
    • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
  3. Complete relevant work related documents
    • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
    • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
    • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
    • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
    • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

  1. Describe team role and scope
    • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
    • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
  2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
    • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
    • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
    • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
  3. Work as a team member
    • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
    • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
    • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
    • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

  1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
    • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
    • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
    • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
  2. Set and meet work priorities
    • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
    • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
    • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
  3. Maintain professional growth and development
    • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
    • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
    • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

  1. Identify hazards and risks
    • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
    • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
    • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
  2. Evaluate hazards and risks
    • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
    • Effects of the hazards are determined
    • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
  3. Control hazards and risks
    • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently
      followed
    • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
    • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
    • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
  4. Maintain OHS awareness
    • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
    • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

4 Comments

    • Trainees or students who would like to enroll in this program must possess the following requirements:
      can communicate both oral and written;
      physically and mentally fit; and can perform basic mathematical computation.
      Must possess the Automotive Mechanical Assembly National Certificate (NC) II