Overview

The curriculum is constantly changing to keep up with the demands of the industry. To enter the course applicants must be 16years old or over, and they must be employed by a National Apprenticeship Employer(Master) who is approved by the SOLAS before they begin the course.

Programme overview

The minimum duration of the course is four years and two months. The course is runover seven phases, four phases consist of the apprentice farriers working with their Employer and the remaining three phases are spent in the Farriery school learning new skills expanding their knowledge and successfully passing all skills demonstrations and theory assessments.

Each apprentice gains experience in the working environment and learns various aspects of the job while on Phases 1, 3, 5, & 7 with their employer. These Phases are referred to as ‘On-the-Job’ training and each apprentice is required to complete several competence assessments after each Phase. This is an essential part of their training and they are assessed throughout each phase with their employer.

Phases2, 4, & 6 are called, ‘Off-the-Job’ training phases and apprentices are required to complete and pass all modular assessments.

To progress to the next Phase each apprentice must pass their assessment at the end of the previous phase – if they fail to do so they have to repeat the Phase, adding to the length of time it takes to complete the course.

Programme Outline

In phase two the apprentices come into the school for 20 -22 weeks. During this period they learn several basic skills. Modules in phases two:

·      Induction and Safety

·      Forge-work

·      Horse care and management

·      Anatomy and physiology

·      Conformation and Movement

·      Horse-shoeing

·      Arc welding

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After phase two is complete the apprentices go back and complete another work placement with their Employer.

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Phase four is a 10-11 week period where the apprentices are back in the school. During this phase, they expand their knowledge on modules covered in phase two and learn new skills.

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Modules in phase four:

·      Forge-work

·      Horse-shoeing

·      Anatomy and physiology

·      Conformation and movement

·      Foot and limb conditions

·      Working as a farrier

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Phase 4 is followed by a phase of work placement before the apprentices return for phase six. This is their final 10- 11 week period in the school and where they take complete final assessments.

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Modules in phase six:

·      Shoemaking

·      Horseshoeing

·      Anatomy and Physiology

·      Foot and Limb Conditions

·      Working as a Farrier

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After phase six is complete the apprentices go back and complete their final work placement with their Employer.