Training and Qualifications
Training can be ‘on the job’ where you work on the yard and receive tuition whilst going about your work. These work-based training programmes offer you the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications based upon real practical experience, skills and knowledge gained through directly working with horses. Qualifications gained in this way can be very valuable to employers.
Training providers will be able to advise you on what type of training is right for you and develop a training programme to suit your needs. This will depend upon your level of experience and the type of yard that you wish to work for. The types of qualifications that you can achieve include National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Apprenticeships.
For further information on N/SVQs contact the British Horseracing and Education Standards Trust, the British Horse Society or NPTC.
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council, can offer advice on Apprenticeships and training providers in your area.
The British Horse Society (BHS) has a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications, including NVQs and BHS stages examinations which can be taken through BHS approved yards. Likewise, the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) also offer training and qualifications.
More formal training can be accessed through one of the many land-based specialist further or higher education colleges. The training in colleges takes place predominantly in the classroom, on the college yard and some visits to yards or expert guest lectures. You probably will be expected to perform yard duties, and you may have to take a period of work experience on a commercial yard as part of your studies. Qualifications vary in their content of practical ‘hands-on’ content and theory, and you will need to seek advice from the college on which type of qualification will suit your needs and what type of employment you will be looking for once you have completed.
For more information on colleges, contact Landex or Lantra.