Current COVID lockdown restrictions do not apply to these courses as they satisfy the criteria of a “reasonable excuse” to travel both in and out of the county. Should the regulations change preventing the course from taking place candidates will be given the option of a refund in full or a place on the next available course.
Important information on LCMLA training & assessment courses
Please note there are prerequisites to attending a training course, including registering with the BCA (click here). Before committing to a training or assessment course please ensure you’ve downloaded and read the most recent BCA Course Details relevant to your course ensuring any pre-requisites are met.
Independant Course Booking Form
Private, Independent or Tailored Courses
The following courses can be arranged at convenient dates. Given enough notice I can normally accommodate courses, alternatively my availability calendar may help give you an idea as to when I’m free.
Local Mine Training Course
Course Duration: 2 days
Cost: £200
Places: 6 (note this course needs at least 3 candidates to run)
Venue: Betws y Coed
Director: Gethin Thomas
This 2 day course will covers the Local Mine Leader Award syllabus as outlined in the BCA handbook.
Assisted hand-line underground
During the course candidates will look at the skills required to lead groups in horizontal mine systems under the LCMLA scheme. During the 2 days candidates will look at the outline of the LCMLA scheme, geology and mining processes associated with both metal and stone mines with a particular emphasis on those found in North Wales, risk identification and management, navigation underground, personal and group kit, and simple rope techniques through a series of classroom and practical sessions, including at least 2 trips underground.
There are no prerequisites to attending this training course, other than registering with the BCA LCMLA scheme (which must be completed before attending), however candidates should be comfortable exploring underground to get the most out of the 2 days.
Candidates should provide their own lunch and personal protective equipment for the course, including appropriate helmet and light, broad/load bearing belt and cows tails (made up of good quality dynamic rope). Replacement rope for cows tails will be available to purchase during the course, but please get in touch in advance so we can get these for you. Candidates should also be prepared to travel to various sites in their own transport.
Vertical Leader Training Course (inc. Tyrolean for groups)
Course Duration: 3 days
Cost: £300
Places: 4 (note this course needs at least 3 candidates to run)
Venue: Betws y Coed
Director: Gethin Thomas
This 3 day course covers the Vertical Leader syllabus as outlined in the BCA handbook, including SRT training, and Tyrolean Traverse for groups. During the course candidates will look at rigging and managing traverse, abseil, ladder and tyrolean for both group and personal progression in vertical cave and/or mine systems.
Candidates should provide their own personal protective equipment for the course, including appropriate helmet and light, harness and cows tails (made up of good quality dynamic rope). SRT kits, and replacement rope for cows tails will be available to purchase during the course, but please get in touch in advance so we can get these for you.
Personal SRT training, flexible on dates
SRT Session
Course Duration: 1 day
Cost: £100 (note this course needs at least 3 candidates to run)
Places: 4
Venue: Betws y Coed
Director: Gethin Thomas
This single days course would be suitable for those wanting to brush up their personal SRT skills, or prepare for the SRT for leader module for Level 2 candidates. The day will be tailored to attendees, focusing on efficient progress up and down ropes, navigating rebels and deviations.
Candidates should provide their own personal protective equipment for the course, including appropriate helmet and light, harness and cows tails (made up of good quality dynamic rope). SRT kits, and replacement rope for cows tails will be available to hire/purchase during the course, but please get in touch in advance so we can get these for you.
Cave and/or Mine Leader assessments available on request
I can assess all awards within the LCMLA, however only Group Day assessments in North Wales Caves and/or Mines. Click on the available links for further information, or get in touch
Core Skills, Cave and/or Mine skills day (up to 2 candidates) £200 (one or two candidates)
Cave and/or Mine Group day (1 candidate only) £200
Vertical Leader Core skills day with SRT for leader (up to 2 candidates) £200 (one or two candidates)
Vertical Leader group day (1 candidate only) £200
Optional SRT for leader (up to 2 candidates) £200 (one or two candidates)
Cave and Mine Transfer (up to 2 candidates) £200 (one or two candidates)
Additional Mines/Caves (paperwork exercise) £25
Additional Mines/Caves (requiring underground trip, normal for complex systems) £200
Personal tailored skills tuition
Bespoke exploration days £160 per day
SRT training £100 per person (minimum of 2 candidates needed to run this course, maximum 4)
+ £10 per person for new cowstails & foot loop
Vertical Leader Refresher
Ideal for those wanting to brush up on their Vertical Leader skills. This is a tailored day based at either a climbing wall or suitable underground venue (minimum 2, maximum 4) £100 per person (min 2 candidates for this day to run)
Enquiry form for independent/private courses
If you’re interested in any of these courses get in touch by completing the form or click on the availability calendar to see what dates I’m free.
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