AERO-WILD Gap Year 2026
A professional gap year in wildlife & conservation, drone aviation, and enterprise. Earn real certifications, build work readiness, and graduate with a clear pathway into employment, entrepreneurship, or further study.
Limited spaces • Flexible payment options
Implemented by
Relay Institute, in partnership with WEW in Wildlife & Prowings
Focus Areas
Wildlife • Drones • Employability • Entrepreneurship • Community Projects
Graduate Outcomes
Certified, work-ready, and prepared for real-world pathways
Programme Overview
AERO-WILD PATHWAYS is designed for young people who want more than “time off”. It blends structured learning, field exposure, mentorship, and practical experience.
- Industry-recognised certifications
- Professional discipline and work readiness
- Drone aviation for commercial & conservation use
- Wildlife, conservation & ethical tourism foundations
- Entrepreneurship & financial literacy
- Community development and internship placement
Who Should Apply?
- Grade 12 school leavers
- Youth seeking direction and employable skills
- Aspiring drone pilots
- Youth interested in conservation, tourism and wildlife
- Future entrepreneurs and community-minded leaders
Age range: 18–25. Physically fit for outdoor activities. No serious criminal record. Basic computer literacy is helpful but not required.
Programme Structure (11 Months)
Self-leadership, emotional intelligence, discipline, teamwork.
Theory, air law, practical flight training, licence preparation.
Ecology, biodiversity, conservation principles, site guide training.
First Aid + Fire Fighting certification.
CVs, interviews, workplace readiness, industry exposure.
Business ideation, financial literacy, pitching, planning.
Project implementation, placement support, career transition.
Certifications & Outputs
- Drone Pilot Licence
- Nature Site Guide Certificate
- First Aid Certificate
- Fire Fighting Certificate
- Work Readiness Portfolio
- Business Plan & Pitch Deck
- Community Development Certificate
- Internship Completion Letter
Residential Includes
- Shared accommodation
- 3 meals per day
- Laundry services
- Transport to training sites & excursions
- Mentorship & wellness support
- Safe and structured learning environment
Join Us in This Transformative Journey
Women Empowering Women in Wildlife
More than a training program—we’re a catalyst for change, intertwining women’s empowerment with wildlife preservation to secure Africa’s future. Your contribution will empower 200 women in Year 1 alone, protect vital ecosystems, and yield enduring social and economic returns.
Together, we can empower. Together, we can conserve. Together, we can protect the future.
Programme Fees
R196,300
Includes training & certifications, accommodation & meals, excursions, learning materials, admin, safety & insurance. Flexible payment plans available on request.
Downloads
Have a look at our PDF versions below.
Apply
Complete the application and we’ll contact shortlisted candidates for an interview (online or in-person). Successful applicants receive an offer letter and onboarding instructions.
- Step 1: Submit application
- Step 2: Document screening
- Step 3: Interview
- Step 4: Offer letter
- Step 5: Registration & onboarding
Tip: Prepare a short motivation (why you want the programme) and ensure your contact details are correct.
Application Link
Click the link below to apply today.
Prefer email? Send your application to:
info@wewinwildlife.org
Get in Touch
Have questions about our programs, partnerships, or how to support WEW in Wildlife? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our team today.
Emails:
Placements
shantel@wew.wildlife.org
Training & Skills Development
neo@wewinwildlife.org
Resource Mobilisation / Donor Relations
mphata@wewinwildlife.org
Website:
Women Empowering Women in Wildlife (WEW in Wildlife) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African women through drone technology and conservation education.