Please feel free to coment. I know you have to register, but you only have to do it the first time.
I often wonder how many horse loving youngsters are enrolled (and financed by their parents) on 1, 2 or even 3 year college courses only to find as they reach the end of year 1, that it isn't the right course. Many find at this stage, that to achieve the qualifications they really need - usually a teaching / instructors certificate - they have to take yet another course on top of their existing one and several further exams. It means more expense for the parents, or sadly they have to drop out. Training in the equine industry drop out rate is a big issue which needs to be addressed.
I recently received a letter from the mother of a young lady who is currently working in administration in an office. This was not what she really wanted to do at all. She had always loved horses and wanted to work with horses, but felt she didn't have the finances or time to do a college course.
Mum, Jo, had been trying for several weeks to find out all about equine training for her daughter Charlotte and had obviously been getting a little frustrated. Jo found that there is a lot of information out there but no place can you find it explained in detail and all the information all in ONE place. Jo had finally got hold of the guide called "How to Get Qualified" - find it on bottom right when you reach that link.
Here are extracts from her letter:
"This little book is just great. I have been struggling to find out about training to work with horses for my daughter. I had spoken to an instructor friend and to 2 colleges as well as the BHS, but none of them had given me nearly as much information as I found in that little book. For one thing, we didn't realise that you can easily train part time and don't have to go to college to get equestrian qualifications ! We were amazed at that, we thought the college route was what everyone had to do! "
"It answered so many questions. Why has it taken so long for someone to produce this. My daughter now understands all the different exams there are available and what qualification she wants, and more importantly knows how to do it."
I certainly know about the problems people encounter. We get at least 20-30 emails or telephone calls every month from people asking about professional qualifications. It IS complicated, I realise that - and I try to help and explain it all. It is complex mainly because there are so many different types of qualification and training available from different sources such as the BSH and Association of British Riding Schools, then there are work based National Vocational Qualifications and City & Guilds and BTECs, National Diplomas and Certificates from colleges not to mention the Degree courses.
You might think that for those gaining an equine science degree it would be easier to gain employment. The positions available for those with such qualifications however, are few and far between.
All providers seem happy to discuss what is available from them - none however, offer information on other routes to gaining qualifications. What is more, the majority of enquiries we get are from people who want to become professional Grooms and Instructors. It is sadly often not understood that few of these qualifications offered from organisations and training providers provide a qualification enabling people to gain the relevant insurance for teaching / instructing - freelance or otherwise. I think it is about time some of these providers came clean.
found an interesting blog today - will post again about this though
