Qualifications
Industry qualifications are developed and Awarded by the Industry Awarding Body, British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust, which is also responsible for approving and monitoring industry training providers. Further information can be found at www.bhest.co.uk and BHEST’s contact details are:
British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust
Suite 16, Unit 8, Kings Court
Willie Snaith Road, Newmarket
Suffolk, CB8 7SG
Reception: 01638 560743
Fax: 01638 660932
Email: info@bhest.co.uk
Changes to Industry Qualifications
Vocational Qualifications have recently undergone a review, resulting in a new Qualifications and Credit Framework which holds all industry qualificaitons. Industry vocational qualifications, previously known as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) have changed. From January 1st 2011, new learners have been registering for qualifications held on the new Qualifications and Credit Framework. These are more flexible and ‘racing’ friendly qualifications that better meet the needs of employers and their staff, and have been designed in consultation with industry. The content of the new qualifications is very similar to the NVQs but the benefit of the revised structure is that, along with a number of mandatory horse care units, there is a range of optional units that can be selected to support an individual’s training needs depending on the industry they are in.
Learners will still need to achieve all the basic skills required to work in a racing yard or stud – including mucking out, grooming, feeding, tacking up and general horse care. However, the revised structure will mean for example that stud staff will no longer have to clip (but they can choose to) and stable staff will no longer have to care for horses at grass (but again, they can if they choose to or if it is needed). Learners will still be able choose whether to focus their qualification and training on racing, specialist racehorse care or breeding. In addition there will be two new pathways at Level 3; a race-riding pathway for jockeys and a pathway for training the young horse which covers breaking and backing.
In addition, an advantage of the revised structure is that those learners taking a Level 2 Work Based Diploma qualification can select a unit recognised by Defra as a certificate of competence for transporting horses on short journeys. Also a learner studying for a Level 3 Work Based Diploma can select a unit recognised by Defra as a certificate of competence for transporting horses on long journeys. This means learners can achieve a Diploma and transport certificate at the same time if they include those units in their selection.
There is nothing an employer needs to do except note the new qualification titles – the changes will be fully managed by the Training Providers. However, when taking on new staff it is advisable to check the units they have achieved for a full understanding of their skills. The table below lists the old qualifications on the left and their new equivalents on the right. Further information is available on the BHEST website here.
In addition, and to complete the Apprenticeship Framework, Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number are set to be re-introduced 2011 as Functional Skills in English and Maths. Again any practical changes will be managed by the Training Providers.
For further information and for full details of the new qualification structures please contact the TBA or BHEST, Suite 16, Unit 8, Kings Court, Willie Snaith Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7SG. Tel 01638 565135 www.bhest.co.uk
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NVQ Title |
QCF Title |
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NVQ Level 1 Horse Care |
Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care |
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NVQ Level 1 Introductory Racehorse Care |
Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Riding |
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NVQ Level 2 Racehorse Care |
Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care |
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NVQ Level 3 Racehorse Care and Management |
Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Management |
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Intermediate Certificate in Horse Care |
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care |
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Advanced Certificate in Horse Care |
Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care and Management |
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Certificate in Equine Transport |
Level 3 Award in the Principles of Transporting Horses by Road on Short Journeys |
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Advanced Certificate in Equine Transport |
Level 3 Award in the Principles of Transporting Horses by Road on Long Journeys |
Stud Specific Courses and Qualifications :