Journalists and news teams undertaking safety training for war zones and other hostile environments can now gain a formal qualification, following a partnership between awarding body Edexcel and AKE Limited.

AKE’s five-day BTEC Surviving Hostile Regions course prepares members of the media for the chaotic and unpredictable situations which they can encounter when covering stories.  The focus is on increasing awareness of the possible dangers, and providing key knowledge of how to react in given situations; such as coming under fire, being taken hostage, being without clean water and having to provide medical attention.

The instructors are all ex-Special Forces (SAS and SBS) and medical practitioners who have extensive experience of working in hazardous conditions. Edexcel has considerable experience of working with the armed forces on education and training matters.

Andrew Kain, Managing Director of AKE Ltd, said: "From being the first company to design and deliver a safety course specifically for journalists working in hostile regions, AKE has remained the market leader internationally. Now that the course has become the industry benchmark, AKE believes it is important to accredit it with an international qualification.”

“The BTEC Advanced Award for Surviving Hostile Regions gives proper recognition to the journalists attending AKE's course." 

The course is delivered through a blend of lectures and practical scenarios.  The programme is comprehensive and interactive, culminating in a series of challenging and realistic training exercises.

Rick Firth, Director of BTEC, said: “Training is an important part of everyone’s personal and career progression, but in this particular case, going into hostile environments, here is a course that has a more important impact - it can be a life saver.  This course not only provides that training, but also gives recognition to those taking part for what they have done and achieved.

“Those achieving the Surviving Hostile Regions qualification can be confident they have been taught a course that not only meets very high standards but one that carries the internationally recognised BTEC banner.”

Tweli Griffiths, a senior producer for HTV Wales who took part in the course said: "I found the course thorough, comprehensive, and professional. I learnt a lot of new stuff which is useful in any environment - hostile or not, but certainly no-one should go to a hostile environment these days without going on this course."