Chance to find out about a career working with horses (From Worcester News)

Chance to find out about a career working with horses

8:43am Monday 6th February 2012 in Equestrian

IF you want a career working with horses make time to visit an event in Worcester on Monday.

Pershore College is preparing to take part in National Apprenticeship Week.

Last year, the college, which is part of Warwickshire College, trained and placed more than 1,000 apprentices in areas as diverse as business, animal care and garden design.

It offers two popular workbased diplomas in horse care and management and two apprenticeships in horse care.

The intermediate apprenticeship in horse care is especially tailored for people with a passion for the animals and offers students the opportunity to train while working in an equine setting, such as a show jumping or racing yard or riding school.

Most employment will include weekend working and students will be required to develop their knowledge and practical skills by attending a day-release course at the college’s Moreton Morrell centre on Tuesdays.

Students taking the advanced apprenticeships will work towards the level 3 diploma in work-based horse care and management, including modules in advanced technical certificate in racehorse care and IT functional skills level 2.

The work-based diplomas at levels 2 and 3 in horse care and management include learning about breeding and attending to mare and foal during foaling, maintaining stud documentation, establishing and maintaining the care of stallions and developing and implementing a horse rehabilitation plan.

Nicola Perrett, student services manager, said: “Putting apprenticeships at the heart of the education and skills sector is a key government initiative and one which the college is very keen to promote.

“Apprenticeships are a popular choice with young people keen to get qualifications, learn a trade and start earning. They are also valued highly by employers.

With the changes to EMA and higher education tuition fees, students are looking for other ways to gain the skills they need for their future careers.

“Because apprenticeships are developed with employers, it ensures that the apprentice learns skills which are really needed in the workplace. There is a really wide range of opportunities available now.

“Typically, the apprentice will spend a day a week in college and four days working. ”

Warwickshire College will be at the Real Apprentice event at County Hall, Worcester, on Friday, February 10, between 1.30pm and 7.30pm. For details, visit warwickshire.ac.uk/appren ticeships or call 0300 4560046.