Mines Awareness Trust

THE MINES AWARENESS TRUST

Chris Natal

EOD FTA Level 2 + EOD Level 3

Independent Consultant

As someone who never served in the military, I had been struggling to find my start in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) for many years. My university studies and work experience put me on a general path to development work, but I wanted the technical know-how and hands-on experience in mine action in order to be a genuine asset to an HMA organisation in the field.

The unique and comprehensive training MAT provided through its FTA and EOD 3 courses was a life-changer.
I received expert instruction, got indispensable practical training, and had some laughs while I was at it. My fellow students were of varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Some had spent many years in the military and simply needed a refresher course and the internationally-recognised IMAS EOD 3 certificate, while many like me had some basic knowledge but lacked any experience whatsoever.

By the end we were all on the same page, because instructors Philip James and Jim Vernon expertly tailored their lessons to make sure everyone understood a concept before moving on, and also encouraged an environment based on teamwork and mutual support.

Training in the field was intense, the simulated clearance operations and EOD tasks realistic. The live demolitions work under the hot African sun put each individual's recently-acquired skills to the test though at every step of the way we were under the attentive supervision of the MAT and IMATC instructors.

Evenings after class also provided plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy a drink with staff and students, which was a necessary diversion but also a chance to get contacts and advice on finding employment.

Within a few weeks of finishing the course in Nairobi, I was on a plane to my first assignment in HMA, roaming the mountains of northern Albania impossible to imagine had I not done this course.

Currently I am working on pre and post-clearance assessments as an independent consultant for Dan Church Aid, where the knowledge I gained from my training with MAT serves as an important backbone to my field research and conclusions.

As I look forward to future assignments in HMA where I will have a chance to further hone the skills I obtained in Nairobi, I would recommend MAT's training programmes to anyone looking for their start, or to those just wishing to beef up their qualifications.