Advanced Apprenticeship in Farriery

Course Highlights

This course is one of only three available in the UK and is recognised and accredited by the Farriers Registration Council and The Worshipful Company of Farriers. The course is designed for the Level 3 farriery apprentice to learn the theoretical aspects of farriery and develop their practical skills and professional behaviours through a combination of time spent at college and in the workplace.

The Level 3 Farriery Apprenticeship Standard is recognised by the Worshipful Company of Farriers which is responsible under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 for farriery standards of competence in the industry, and by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) which registers and regulates all apprentices and qualified farriers including ATFs.

Course Overview

Farriers maintain and care for equine feet. Farriery apprenticeship placements are in high demand nationally so ensuring that you have all of the entry requirements is vital.

During the Farrier Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard you will work for an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and attend the college on block release. Each block will have a different focus and allows a structured development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a qualified and successful farrier.

To complete the apprenticeship apprentices will sit the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF) examination/end-point assessment which is the prescribed examination for registration as set out under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975.

If you wish to apply for the Farrier Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard you are advised to familiarise yourself with entry requirements and steps you need to take. You can do this by contacting our Admissions Team on admissions@hlcollege.ac.uk or 0800 032 1986 who will be happy to help and advise you.

Qualification

Level 3 Farriery Apprenticeship Standard and Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (Dip WCF).

Upon successful award of the DipWCF qualification the apprentice will be entitled to use the post-nominal DipWCF and may apply for registration with FRC.

Duration

Farriers are normally required to undertake a probationary period with an ATF prior to commencing their apprenticeship.

Typically, the apprenticeship will take 48 months to complete. This allows a structured development of the skills and knowledge required to achieve the Worshipful Company of Farriers Diploma qualification (DipWCF). Study at the College is by block release and you will normally attend the college in blocks of 2-4 weeks twice a year.

Course Content

Farriers are responsible for the maintenance and care of Equine feet with a holistic approach to the equine, for which they must have a thorough understanding of all aspects of Equine hoof care throughout the equine disciplines, from grass roots pleasure equines right through to elite competition horses.

You will cover a diverse range of topics throughout your apprenticeship. The knowledge components of the Farrier Level 3 are:

• Health & Safety
• Breed Identification
• Control of Equines
• Anatomy, Physiology and Equine Biomechanics
• Ability to produce a thorough foot care plan
• Understanding of diagnosis methods
• Evaluation of own abilities
• Lameness evaluations.

At the end of your apprenticeship, using tools of the trade you will be able to:

• Remove an equine shoe.
• Prepare and trim the sole, Frog and bars.
• Prepare and trim the hoof wall for either an unshod horse or one that requires shoes
• If equine is shod choose correct shoe, i.e. material, material size and length depending on the equines discipline.
• Make or reshape the shoe for the individual equine.
• Nail or affix the shoe in an appropriate and safe manner.
• Produce clenches from the nail tips or finish the method of adhesion to comply with all health and safety guidelines.

You will also develop a range of skills and behaviours including professionalism, self-development, adaptability and adherence to legal and ethical frameworks.

Entry Requirements

The Institute for Apprenticeships define the entry requirements as:

“Typically a Minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above, including English, Maths and one Science (1). Apprentices without English and Maths level 2 will be required to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment.”

You will be required to provide evidence of all qualifications. Any statements from a school must be signed, dated and stamped by the school to verify the results before we can accept them. If you hold Welsh, Scottish or Irish equivalent qualifications or have any other queries on qualifications, please contact the College for guidance.

In addition, the college requires:

• A confirmation letter of employment from an Approved Training Farrier (ATF).
• A successful interview which will include an assessment of practical aptitude.

Farriery is a regulated profession and all farriers enrolled on the Level 3 Farrier apprenticeship standard must be registered with the Farriery Registration Council.

Progression

Once you have successfully completed and qualified as a farrier a range of further training and development opportunities are available within the industry i.e. ATF, the Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF), College Tutor, Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF). For more information on progression paths within this industry please look at the Worshipful Company of Farriers website: http://www.wcf.org.uk

Fees

Please contact us for up to date costs, farriery@hlcollege.ac.uk