Easton College News Stories

  

Monday 20th July 2009
Easton College’s top class equestrian and animal welfare centre

Work is under way on a £5million equestrian and animal welfare centre which will give Easton College some of the best facilities in the country.

The new centre, which opens in the autumn, features an Olympic-sized riding arena with a viewing area which will boost the education of around 150 equestrian students.

For more than 460 students on animal welfare courses, there will be a new teaching centre with veterinary treatment areas, animal physiotherapy and specialised classrooms.

“This is a major leap forward for our plans to be a top regional college in the equestrian and animal science and welfare field,” said college Principal David Lawrence. “The centre is designed to cope with a significant growth in student numbers in both areas of the college and to help meet the demand from industry for more qualified recruits.”

As well as the new arena, there will be American barn stabling for 32 horses and an outdoor riding area. There will also be teaching rooms to replace those currently on the nearby Norfolk Showground.

Students study from foundation level through BTEC First and National Diploma to Foundation degree or Apprenticeships – often gaining British Horse Society or veterinary nursing qualifications during their time at Easton.

“We are particularly pleased to be working with the University of East Anglia (UEA) on the provision of foundation degrees,” said Mr Lawrence.

“All the land-based industries need recruits at higher technician level and above and the foundation degree is a really good way of providing these skills through a mix of theoretical study and very practical work.

“Graduates who have progressed through the BTEC National Diploma route will have a very good range of both technical knowledge and practical skills that the industry needs. The foundation degree also provides a seamless step through progression to degree level study.

“We are delighted to have secured such a substantial investment in the college which will provide a stimulating and exiting environment for both students and staff.”

The new centre is being constructed by Mansell.

Opportunities for Work Based training and Apprenticeships – by Hilary Francois BHSI Stable Manager and Work Based Learning Tutor at Easton College.

Work Based Learning has provided a number of people with alternative ways of achieving their equestrian ambitions.

Within the equine industry there are bound to be a number of people who could gain a WBL qualification whilst carrying out their routine job. This could be on a livery yard, riding school, stud, competition yard or many others. Employers who run private yards or currently employ non-qualified staff could enable their employees to achieve a qualification through Easton College without running in to additional costs.

May be now’s the time. It’s never too late to have a go!

At Easton College we are recognised for being a quality, approachable team, always willing to put in that extra effort in order to support and guide candidates in the workplace and provide them with the satisfaction of achievement.

Case study Becky Vick WBL student works for Lisa McQuiston at Burgh Farm Dressage near Dereham.

After achieving a college qualification Becky decided to pursue a WBL Apprenticeship and has never looked back. Becky currently works at Burgh Farm Dressage with trainer and rider Lisa Mc Quiston.

“I love my job and when I become an apprentice I will continue here in employment and work to gain my NVQ Level Three. Its hard work but I really feel part of the team. This has given me the opportunity to earn a salary and learn new skills at the same time I enjoy the responsibility of helping to run the yard and get regular support from Easton College. The Apprentice and Modern Apprentice will look great on my CV”

Employer Lisa McQuiston commented “We have strong links with Easton College. Becky is an exceptional trainee, dedicated to her work and always keen to take on a new challenge. Often young people coming into the industry are unaware of the lifestyle and commitment involved when working on a busy yard but we are always ready to give the right person all the help required.”

An apprenticeship in Horse Care is designed to encourage keen horsewomen and horsemen into the Equine Industry and give them a high level of practical skills and knowledge to enable them to work within the horse world. This very practical programme combines the opportunity of working within the equine industry whilst being paid a wage with training.
For the practical work experience, a work placement/employer is essential. If the apprentice is not already in employment Easton College will help find potential apprentice placements. Placements vary from large commercial establishments to small private yards, including riding schools, competition yards, and livery stables and trekking centres.
The Apprenticeship consists of practical work and Dressage underpinning knowledge, which will be continually assessed in the work place. The learner will, with the help of their assessor, collect evidence of competence to support the assessment and achievement of the NVQ in Horse Care. Easton College attendance is on a day release basis where the learner undertakes Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number & Working with Others and a Technical Certificate NPTC Health and Safety with Horses.
On completion of the programme our apprentices have found employment in a variety of equine industry sectors including competition grooming, riding instructor, yard manager, apprentice farrier, hunt groom. Many apprentices also progress onto more advanced courses at Easton College.
How long do they take to complete? This programme lasts between 1 - 2 years depending on the level of apprenticeship taken.

For further information on the Work Based Learning programme or other Equine courses please contact student information at Easton College 01603 731232 or www.easton-college