One component of SWC3C is a Training-cum-Internship Programme called the Conservation Proficiency Course (CPC). This is built on the successful foundations of the 4-month residential Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC) model developed by Zooreach in 2021. 

With CPC we are moving towards our long term goal of setting up an annual training-internship course. This will provide specialized training, interactions and learnings from over 75 mentors and resource people, opportunity to shadow our scientists, researchers and educators, intern on one of our initiatives and provide credits for students.

CPC aims to build skilled conservation practitioners through hands-on learning and real-world exposure.

All life science, undergraduates & graduates enthusiasts genuinely interested in wildlife studies and conservation may not get the right break early in their lives to make a career in this field. More often than not, the theoretical knowledge they are exposed to falls short as the challenges in the field are radically different. Practical application demands a more rigorous, versatile and holistic approach to successfully solve conservation issues.

Conservation Proficiency Course bridges the gap for graduates and young professionals between academic learning and on-the-ground conservation by providing real-time training and internship opportunities in different aspects of conservation biology gleaned from over 40+ years of experience in the field.

Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC): This 2-month in-house training is based on the unique conservation engineering model developed by Dr Sanjay Molur and the late Sally Walker. The training is interspersed with conversations with experts from around the world, debates, and the development of action plans on real-time issues. It also involves understanding case studies from across the country and the challenges faced by stakeholders, exploring tools for community conservation, engaging in fun activities, and participating in local field trips. 

Hands-on-Trainings (HOTs): HOTs are subject specific workshops for 4–5 days each for early & mid-career conservationists and conservation enthusiasts. The trainings will be open to participation for 15 trainees additional to the CPC participants from diverse backgrounds including NGOs, young conservationists, CSR professionals, educators, and individuals from other sectors interested in deeper engagement with conservation.

Conservation internships: This is an This 8-month paid internship opportunity that offers unique hands-on experience across diverse and interconnected ecosystems, while working closely with experts and communities on the ground. The interns will work with the Zooreach team on one of the following projects: 1OCEAN, Himalayan Restoration Project, Human-Elephant Coexistence Project, Lively Waters, or Conzervation for GenZ+.

Taxonomy, Research Techniques, Conservation policies, IUCN Red Listing, Integrating Science and Social aspects, Collecting Conservation Evidence, Human-wildlife Interactions, Species and Ecosystem Conservation, Business and Biodiversity, Governance – Laws and Policies are a few aspects taught along with training in soft skills such as Writing Grants, Publications, Conservation Communications, Manuscripts, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Facilitation, etc.
We are proud to have a panel of mentors (who are veterans in the field and recognized worldwide for their invaluable contributions) agree to tutor and be a part of this program in a big way. We vouch their expertise and guidance will motivate our candidates to another level of proficiency and commitment.

The program runs for 10 month, combining training, workshops, and a paid internship.

The first 2 months focus on foundation training, where participants learn key concepts, field techniques, and essential conservation skills. This is part of the Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation.

No. Only participants who successfully pass the assessment after the initial 2 months RHATC training are offered the internship opportunity.

Yes. After the initial 2 months, participants are assessed based on performance and skills. 6-7selected participants continue for the Internship program and the HOTs.

Out of every 10 participants, 6-7 (60-70%) are selected to continue in the program.

Yes, you will still receive a certificate even if you do not qualify the assessment after two months. In this case, you will be awarded a Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation Completion Certificate, which acknowledges your participation and engagement in the program and the skills you have been exposed to during the training.
However, the Work Experience Letter is reserved for participants who successfully meet the assessment criteria and progress through the program and internship. This distinction ensures that the work experience certification reflects demonstrated application of skills in a professional context.

After the initial two months of training, Fellows undertake a one-month shadow programme with a selected Zooreach team aligned to their internship focus. During this period, they gain on-ground exposure, understanding the project’s context, needs, and challenges. They then return for workshops and continued training before formally beginning their internship.

CPC Fellows begin receiving a stipend from the third month, starting with the shadow program. The remuneration continues throughout the duration of the program, including during all training and workshop phases.