NATIONAL FARRIER TRAINING AGENCY - NFTA

Training and Developing Farriers of Tomorrow, Today

The National Farrier Training Agency (NFTA) is a Managing Agency established by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) to oversee the training of farriery apprentices in Great Britain. The FTA does, however, welcome applications from potential apprentices worldwide.

Anybody with previous farriery experience should contact the FRC directly

www.farrierytraining.co.uk

Sefton House Newsletter has been incorporated in to Forge Magazine
Keeping ATFs and Apprentices Informed.

The FTA Training Advisory Committee (TAC) is an invaluable source of sage advice and wise counsel to the FTA, representing the views of ATFs and Apprentices, such that the quality of the Farriery Apprenticeship is maintained at the highest levels.

Farriery Training Agency - Sefton House NewsMore exciting news for Forge Magazine - The FTA Sefton House News will be incorporated from now on within Forge Magazine. This has been done to ensure the widest circulation of events and information and to consolidate costs. The FTA will remain the point of contact for all matters relating to FTA issues and general enquiries.

moreLATEST NEWS FROM THE NFTA - SEFTON HOUSE

The National Farrier Training Agency Contact Details

The National Farrier Training Agency
Sefton House
Adam Court
Newark Road 
Peterborough 
PE1 5PP
Tel: 01733 319770
Local Rate: 0845 1188387
Fax: 01733 319771

Changes affecting ATFs and apprentices to be introduced in September

We would like to thank the ATFs and Apprentices who attended the NFTA Roadshows earlier in the year. The feedback received was that you found the day to be extremely valuable and informative. A number of suggestions and comments have emerged from the events and further feedback will be addressed over the coming months in Forge magazine.
If you have not attended a Roadshow, please ensure you have read the NFTA Update sent out recently as the changes that come into effect from September 2011 will impact upon you.
Should you require further information or clarification, the policies can be found on the NFTA website www.farrierytraining.co.uk, or contact the NFTA directly on either 0845 1188387 (local rate) or 01733 319770 and ask for a hard copy. If you are still unsure, please get in touch with us.
ATF Conference – Mandatory attendance
At the last FRC Council Meeting in March it was agreed that attendance at ATF Conferences would be made compulsory. It is currently expected that an ATF Conference will be held every two years, and it is essential that ATFs must attend at least one conference in four years (CPD points will be awarded to those who attend).

NFTA Updates -
HSE introduces new arrangements for online reporting of accidents and injuries

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced changes to the reporting arrangements of accidents and injuries under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995).

Businesses will still be able to notify fatal and major injuries by phone to the duty officer, but from 12 September 2011 all other reportable work-related injuries and accidents under RIDDOR will move to a predominantly online system at
www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/online.htm,
where a series of appropriate forms can be completed to make the statutory reporting process quick and easy. Completed forms are submitted directly to the Incident Contact Centre. For further information please visit the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk.

NFTA Updates -
HSE Infoline to end

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Infoline telephone service, which currently provides a basic information service to callers, will end on 30 September 2011.
Businesses and members of the public seeking information and official guidance on health and safety matters can use the HSE's website, where people can access and download information free of charge.
For further information, please visit the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk

NFTA Updates -
Worried about redundancy?

Anyone requiring advice or information regarding redundancy should contact the NFTA’s Employment Relations Manager, Julie Olver, by telephone 01733 319770 or 0845 1188387, or email her at fta@farrierytraining.co.uk.
Further information regarding redundancy can be obtained from the following websites: www.acas.co.uk or www.directgov.co.uk

The National Farrier Training Agency Management Board requires Board Members

The National Farrier Training Agency is a division of the Farriers Registration Council, with responsibility for the management of the Advanced Apprenticeship in farriery.
Post 1 - Chairman :
The Chairman is supported by 7 non-Executive Board Members and the Operations Manager. Candidates must have previous experience of chairing Board Meetings, strong business development capabilities and communication skills. He/She must have an understanding of equine welfare and farriery, as well as the current educational process. Knowledge of the NVQ and Advanced Apprenticeship requirements will be an added advantage.
Post 2 - Non-Executive Member with experience in Business & Finance :
The candidate will be a lay member, who has ideally served on Boards/Committees, with a high calibre background in business administration and finance, and a sound understanding of budgets and financial procedures. An awareness of government funding of further education procedures would be advantageous.
Both the above posts will be required to attend Board Meetings 3 times a year in Peterborough. The Chairman will be required to attend additional meetings held by the FRC (approximately 6 a year).
Members are paid a daily allowance and travelling expenses.
Further details are available from the Registrar of the Farriers Registration Council on 01733 319911, or e-mail frc@farrier-reg.gov.uk. Applications along with a current CV should be submitted before 22 August 2011 to :
The Registrar, The Farriers Registration Council, Adam Court, Sefton House, Peterborough, PE1 5PP

Keeping welfare facilities up to scratch

A London-based glazing company was recently prosecuted following a visit to its premises by an HSE Inspector. The Inspector decided to look at the Company's welfare facilities. The inspector found that the toilets were in a poor state of repair, they were dirty, there was no supply of hot water or soap for hand washing and no means of hand drying. Furthermore, the area where its employees rested and ate their meals was not properly equipped, and surfaces were covered in workshop dust and debris.
Note - It's an explicit legal requirement to provide adequate welfare facilities for staff as detailed in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Improvement needed
The Inspector was not satisfied that the welfare facilities met the standards defined in the workplace regulations, so he served two improvement notices. These gave the company one month to complete sufficient work to bring the facilities up to scratch.
For some reason, the company decided to ignore both of the improvement notices. On revisiting the site, the Inspector found that no work had been completed and, therefore, because of the lack of action, he issued a summons.
In Court
At Court, the company pleaded guilty to breaching s33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £5000 plus £1968 costs. The Inspector who brought the case stated that: ‘Failure to provide decent facilities or to comply with enforcement notices are serious matters. This company showed complete disregard for the welfare of its employees and for the law.’
Are your facilities up to scratch?
Basic welfare facilities include:
◗ Where possible, separate toilet facilities for men and women, failing that rooms with lockable doors.
◗ A supply of toilet paper and, for females, a means of disposing sanitary dressings.
◗ Hand basins with a supply of soap and towels or a hand dryer.
◗ Facilities with hot and cold running water.
◗ Clean facilities (to help achieve this floors and walls should preferably be tiled, or covered in suitable waterproof material, to make them easier to clean).
◗ A supply of drinking water.
◗ Somewhere clean to rest and eat meals and a means of heating food or water for hot drinks.
◗ A place to store clothing and personal protective equipment.
Where employees are working at remote workplaces without suitable plumbing or a water supply, you may need to provide chemical toilets and washing facilities, such as water containers.
Remember that you must also ensure that the facilities are kept clean and in good condition. This means that you need to put in place an effective system to maintain facilities including regular cleaning. Ask yourself - would you be happy to use the welfare facilities you provide for your employees?
For further information on welfare facilities visit the Health and Safety Executive Website at www.hse.gov.uk

Regional Sessions - Part 2

Those of you who read Forge magazine regularly will be aware that the NFTA has been out on the road holding Regional Sessions with ATFs and apprentices to explain the new policies that come into effect from September. In the June issue of Forge the NFTA reported on three Regional Sessions that took place in April. This issue covers the four that took place in May.
Region 4 – Hartpury College, Gloucester – 16 May
The attendees at this Regional Session covered a number of areas, with one of the main ones being the NFTA Health and Safety visits; why do we have to have them and could the ATF not arrange for other agencies like the HSE to complete them?
For ATFs to maintain their ATF status they are required to meet their legal responsibilities including health and safety. The system currently in place that allows NFTA to monitor the ATF’s compliance includes a visit to the ATF’s forge every three years for a full health and safety visit by the Health and Safety Manager (if the ATF has apprentices or is recruiting a new one), and the Field Officer completes a health and safety check as part of their progress visit. This system has been approved by the Skills Funding Agency as an acceptable standard for meeting the health, safety and welfare of apprentices in the workplace.
It was suggested that other agencies like the HSE might carry out these visits, which would cut down on the cost of the Health and Safety Manager, as the ATF would arrange the visit at their expense, and provide NFTA with a certificate to show they are compliant? Although this may be possible, the NFTA is not aware that any Government agencies provide this service whether free or for payment. If anyone has any information that might throw further light on this subject can they please forwarded it to the Operations Manager at the NFTA and it will be investigated. All farriers with employees might find the following useful; health and safety made simple – the basics for your business on the HSE link http://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/index.
Region 5 – Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester – 17 May
It would be difficult to pick one major subject that the ATFs and apprentices raised at this session. A lengthy discussion took place on the pre-farrier (Access) course and the forging examination. When the Access course was introduced, the FRC stipulated that the outcomes would equate to the four GCSEs including English and mathematics and would include the forging examination. Over the past few years, ATFs have questioned the content of these courses and wanted a standardised course so they knew what their prospective apprentice had achieved no matter which college they had attended.
The views of ATFs have been taken on board and discussions have taken place with ATFs, Colleges, Lantra and awarding bodies to produce a course that will be specifically for farriery. It is anticipated that the course will start from September 2012 and will include forging skills, horse handling, health and safety and the forging certificate. The content of the forging certificate was discussed and it was agreed that it met the current requirements.
Region 6 – Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield – 20 May 2011
The removal of information and communication technologies (ICT) college certificate from the new Framework was the subject of some discussion at this Regional Session. There was no consensus as to whether ICT should be part of the training or not. However, some attendees were concerned that there would be apprentices starting the apprenticeship with little ICT knowledge and that there should be relevant and basic skills available or this could be a problem. This information has been passed to the FRC Working Group responsible for the strategic review of the apprenticeship for their consideration.
Another area of concern was the change to the Academic Plan that will mean apprentices will have to work with their ATFs for three months following the successful completion of the WCF Diploma examination. It was felt that some apprentices would not return to work, and it would mean ATFs having difficulties with their apprentices. The attendees were informed that the apprentice must complete their contract in full. If they break their contract they will need to find another ATF to complete the remainder of the time. The FRC will not place any apprentice onto the Register until the NFTA informs them that all elements of the apprenticeship have been completed, and completing their contract is one of the elements. However, because of the concern shown by ATFs the NFTA is reviewing the recruiting process to see if it would be possible for the apprentice’s last day to fall within approximately one month of completing the WCF Diploma. The result of moving the dates could be that prospective apprentices would have to wait longer after leaving school or college before they can start the apprenticeship, and this could affect the ATF recruitment. None of these changes affect the current apprentices who will still have to complete their current contracts.
Region 7 – British Racing School, Newmarket – 3 May 2011
Although there were very few ATFs and apprentices at the session a good debate was still valuable. The main topic was the relationship between the employer and employee, and dealing with difficulties that stem from it. This is a difficult area for the NFTA, as it is considered that if the issues relate to employment then it should be for the ATF and the apprentice to resolve. The NFTA has provided both the disciplinary and grievance policies that follow the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) recommendations. We will of course advise both the ATF and apprentice of what they should do. However, sometimes the issues relate to training, and in these cases the Improvement Notice and Grievance policies would apply. The NFTA would normally allow the ATF and apprentice to resolve their differences, but with the introduction of the Apprentice Unsatisfactory Progress Policy the NFTA will be taking a closer interest in everything surrounding the apprentice’s progress.
From our experience, some ATFs find it difficult to confront apprentices who, due to the close working relationship of ATFs and farriers, consider the apprentice their friend rather than an employee. For apprentices, it can be that they are afraid of what their ATFs reaction will be and they do not want to lose their apprenticeship. It should always be made clear that your relationship is employer and employee with mutual respect at its core. In this way, any difficulties should be minimal and we strongly advise ATFs and apprentices that the best way to avoid problems is to face issues as they arise rather than leaving them to fester.
The Operations Manager is currently preparing a full report following the Regional Sessions, which will be presented to the NFTA Management Board in October. The views of the Board will be put on the NFTA website and published in Forge.

NFTA welcomes Ofsted inspectors

‘The NFTA's overall effectiveness of provision is GOOD’
The NFTA was inspected by Ofsted between April 12 and 15, and was awarded a ‘Grade 2 – Good’. Lead Inspector Robert Hamp, while providing feedback to the staff at Sefton House, emphasised that this is a very good result. Although the NFTA received the same grade after it was last visited in 2006, we were told that the grade should be seen as a ‘significant achievement as Ofsted has raised the bar considerably in recent times’.
These are some of the comments on the report. The full report is available on the NFTA's website:
‘The number of learners who gain their qualification is very high and has been consistently above the national average’
‘The planning and management of the programme is good’
‘Leadership and management is good’
‘The organisation and strategic direction of the advanced apprenticeship programme is managed effectively’
‘Self assessment and value for money is good’
In making suggestions for improvement, most areas highlighted by Mr Hamp were those that the NFTA were already aware of. Over the next few months, we will focus our attention on ensuring that good practices become consistent, and that the suggestions for improvement recommended by Ofsted, ATFs and Apprentices are suitably addressed.
Funding of apprentices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Following a period of uncertainty about the funding of apprentices in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, we are pleased to report that the Skills Funding Agency has confirmed that funding is available now and in the future.

Do you qualify for tax credits?

Do you qualify for tax credits? To find out, log onto www.direct.gov.uk and complete the 'Check if you qualify for Tax Credits – quick questionnaire'. Before you start ensure you have the following information to hand:
❱ Details of you own (and your partner's – if you have one) income –
your P60 for the year ending April 2011 would be ideal.
❱ Details of any benefits you are claiming, or have just stopped claiming
❱ Your usual working hours.

Seeking appointees to the National Farrier Training Agency Management Board

The current Chairman of the National Farrier Training Agency, Mr Howard Cooper OBE FWCF Hons, will leave his post at the end of this year, having served two terms of office.
The process of finding a replacement for Mr Cooper will begin shortly by open competition. Anyone interested in applying for the post should monitor the NFTA/FRC websites over the next few months where more detailed information about the requirements for the post and the recruitment process will be made available. This information will also be available in the FRC’s July Bulletin.
Another member of the Board, Mr John Dring OBE, who was appointed for his financial/business experience, will relinquish his post at the end of the year following six years’ service. This post will also be filled by open competition, and further details about finding a replacement will be made in the same way.

Regional Sessions - June 2011

When going to press, the National Farrier Training Agency (NFTA) and the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) will have completed three Regional meetings. Although the attendance at each venue was not as many as we would have wanted, those who did attend made it very worthwhile. The NFTA intends to provide as much feedback as possible in the next issue of the Forge magazine, once all the seven Regions will have been visited. For this issue, however, we will concentrate on the main areas discussed in each Region already visited.
Region 1:
The Weipers Centre Equine Hospital Glasgow – 12 April 2011
The issue that was of greatest concern to the Scottish ATFs was that of grant aid funding for apprentices that live and work in Scotland. Until this academic year all farrier apprentices had been funded through the Learning and Skills Funding Agency and its predecessors.
However, from 1 August 2010 when the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) took over, there has been a question mark over funds for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland apprentices, as devolved funding for apprenticeships now exists. The NFTA put forward a robust case to maintain funding from the SFA for those apprentices currently on programme, and this has been agreed.
The NFTA is currently negotiating with the SFA for those apprentices who started in January 2011, and those who will start in the future. The papers are with the National Office of the SFA and we would expect a reply within the next few weeks, the contents of which will be relayed to those candidates currently involved and any that may be coming forward for the July 2011 intake.
Region 2:
Askham Bryan College York –
20 April 2011
Should the practical skills of current, and those wishing to become ATFs, be raised?
Discussion took place as to whether the pass level should be raised for the ATF practical assessment, and whether ATFs should be re-assessed every 10 years in line with the review of ATF status. Although there was agreement between those ATFs attending that the current ATF shoemaking was too basic and that it needs to be more complicated, the argument that it is not necessarily true that all good shoemakers make good teachers, and vice versa, was put forward. A question was also asked as to whether those who complete higher qualifications within the renewal period would have to do the shoemaking assessment.
The answer to the questions posed wil be put to the NFTA Management Board along with any other suggestions received during the regional sessions.
Region 3:
The Mill at Worston –
14 April 2011
Illegal farriery was among the concerns of the ATFs in this area, and how the system worked as regards European farriers. A request for clarification was made regarding what a prospective candidate may do prior to becoming an apprentice, that is, during the time prior to their official probationary period, particularly regarding foot trimming.
The FRC will put together a question and answer section in a later issue of the Forge magazine on topics raised at the Regional Sessions, which will include European farriers and illegal farriery.
For those ATFs taking on a prospective candidate, prior to them becoming an apprentice (ie, they have not yet started their official probationary period) the following is a guide to some, but not all, of what they can and cannot do:
◗ Shoe removal and or trimming cannot be done if it is in preparation for a shoe to be fitted.
◗ They may assist by walking and holding the horse, and handing the farrier tools
◗ Making shoes, but not fitting
◗ They cannot clench and rasp
If the ATF is unsure of what falls within the area of illegal activity then they can refer to the poster entitled 'Work Experience with a Registered farrier', issued to all ATFs for more information, or contact the FRC for advice before any work is commenced.

Introducing the NFTAMB's Educational Specialist

Sunita Grigg
Following Jessica Williams’s completion of two terms as the Board's Educational Specialist, the National Farrier Training Agency Management Board has announced the appointment of her successor, Mrs Sunita Grigg.
Sunita holds a Masters in Training and Human Resource Management, a Diploma in Business Counselling and is a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She is a qualified NVQ Assessor/Verifier, an Associate Ofsted Inspector with extensive experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sector. She has developed and delivered numerous training programmes, as well as projects and has been a member of various boards and committees, such as the Adult Learning Inspectorate, the Quality Improvement Agency and The National Youth Agency.
Sunita currently runs her own consultancy business, specialising in leadership and management, business development, equality and diversity, cultural awareness, work/life balance, etc. Her client base has included Birmingham City Council, The Department For Education & Employment, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, West Midlands Police and Fire Services and Warwick University.
Sunita brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board and has already demonstrated her capabilities by proactively providing valuable advice and guidance to the NFTA.
The NFTA takes this opportunity to welcome Sunita to the Board.

Meet the NFTA's Learning Support Coordinators - June 2011

Meet The NFTA's Learning Support Co-ordinators
Currently 27% of farriery apprentices have additional learning needs (ALN), which according to recent statistics is the national average. Without the support and guidance of our Learning Support Co-ordinators, a number of our apprentices, by their own admission, would find it extremely daunting to meet the demands of a challenging four-year apprenticeship.
The role of the Learning Support Co-ordinator is to provide learning support to apprentices identified with learning needs, by visiting the workplace, providing the NFTA with reports following the visit, advising ATFs on the support mechanisms that are available and liaising with College Learning Support Departments.

Sue Charters
Sue was appointed as a Learning Support Co-ordinator in April 2008, although she has been involved with NVQs for a number of years, and is currently the Lead Internal Verifier for Warwickshire College's Equine Work-based programme.
Sue is a qualified teacher, assessor, internal and external verifier and she holds the Oxford Cambridge and RSA qualification for teachers of learners with specific learning difficulties. She is also a qualified British Horse Society Instructor and Examiner, a Listed Dressage Judge and a Master Judge for British Riding Clubs.
Her background is horses, having run her own business for 25 years - training students, breeding youngstock and producing for sale.
Sue says she enjoys supporting ALN students and believes that her knowledge and background in equine is a help in supporting farriery apprentices.

Janet Kitto
Janet has been a Learning Support Co-ordinator for seven years and supports apprentices with ALN in Scotland, Wales, Central Midlands, South and South West England. Janet holds a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Management and a Certificate in Education.
Janet's background has been in education, working with young children and teenagers. Janet has supported undergraduates training to be teachers as well as postgraduates aspiring to be equine Chiropractors.
Janet says she gets immense satisfaction from supporting apprentices with learning difficulties, witnessing them receive their Diploma Certificates and going on to be professional farriers.

NFTA Updates - June 2011

Employment Law changes
The Additional Paternity Leave (APL) Regulations took effect from April this year. Fathers (or other eligible partners) of babies born on or after 3 April 2011 have the right to take up to 26 weeks’ paternity leave, provided their partner returns to work early. Full details can be obtained from www.directgov.com.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)/Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) increased from £124.88 to £128.73 on 11 April 2011.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) increased from £79.15 to £81.60 on 11 April 2011.

Holiday entitlement
The statutory minimum holiday entitlement is 28 days per year (this figure includes public and bank holidays). As employers, ATFs should ensure that their apprentice employees are given their full entitlement. ATFs can request a template for holiday booking forms from the NFTA Employment Relations Manager.

Immigration law requirements - April 2011

The NFTA’s Employment Relations Manager, Julie Olver, reminds ATF’s that, in accordance with the amendment to the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, effective from 29th February 2008, employers have to ask all employees, regardless of time in service, to provide proof of the Right to Work in the UK. Therefore, employers need to ensure all employees provide evidence from the list opposite. For apprentices two copies of the evidence are required; a copy for the ATF and one for NFTA. ATFs must ensure they keep copies of evidence available so that they can show the authorities that they have complied with these requirements. If inspected, the fines for non-compliance are significant.
Three pieces of evidence are required, and must include at least one document from group one:
Group One Group Two
UK Passport UK Driving Licence
UK Birth Certificate Marriage Certificate
Bank Statement
NHS Card
Council Tax Statement

Have you ever considered becoming a Farriery Tutor/Assessor? - April 2011

DO YOU HAVE A FLAIR FOR TEACHING?
Then this is an ideal opportunity for you to impart the knowledge and farriery skills you possess to the future generation.
From time to time, Herefordshire College of Technology and Warwickshire College have requirements for qualified Farriery Tutors/Assessors.
If you are concerned that you do not have the appropriate teaching or assessor qualification, training could be arranged.
For further information, please contact the Farriery Department at the college of your choice.

Feedback from Apprentices 2010

This the part 2 of an article that was published in the February issue of Forge magazine, covering feedback of all aspects of the Apprenticeship that were received by the NFTA (from apprentices) during 2010.
The areas covered here are:
❱ NVQ
❱ Field Officers
❱ General
NVQ
Before covering the feedback on the NVQ, it is important to understand that the NVQ is only one part of the Apprenticeship Framework; with the others being the WCF Diploma examination, the College IT and Business certificates, and keys skills in Communication and Application of Numbers.
The training required to enable apprentices to register themselves with the Farriers Registration Council is decided by the Council, and currently all the parts of the Apprenticeship Framework must be successfully completed. If any one part is missing, the apprentice will not be eligible to be registered and therefore all parts of the Apprenticeship Framework are equally important.
The NVQ allows the apprentice to show, over time, that they can consistently produce the work required. The Diploma, on the other hand, is an examination to show that the apprentice can use the underpinning knowledge and practical skills gained during the NVQ to meet the required standards under exam conditions on a particular day.
Those apprentices that completed the Access Pre-Farriery course will have had some experience of the NVQ system before starting the Apprenticeship and may therefore find the process easier to manage.
Most complaints about the NVQ are that there is too much paperwork. No one can deny that any NVQ relies on paperwork, but it is how that paperwork is managed, and that is the right information to show that the apprentice is competent with the task required, that will decide how much paperwork is produced.
All colleges have portfolio building classes and we would urge any apprentice that is finding the NVQ system difficult to understand to discuss their difficulties with the tutor or NFTA College Administrator.
Field Officer
Comments regarding Field Officers included:
❱ Field Officer visits are pointless.
❱ Field Officer could spend more time discussing my progresss.
❱ Prior notice would be helpful.
❱ Don’t think the Field Officer programme is quite correct. Maybe it is just my Field Officer, but I don’t even know his name.
❱ Had a new Field Officer every time.
It is important that apprentices are aware that they should be visited in the work place by the Field Officer between the 13th and 15th week following the last day of their college block. The Field Officer books the visit with the ATF (not the apprentice) to ensure the apprentice will be free on the day.
The amount of time available to the Field Officer when visiting apprentices can, at times, be restricted due to the working schedule of the ATF, although it is recommended that approximately two hours for each apprentice is scheduled for the visit. The time spent with each apprentice will obviously differ depending upon how well the apprentice is progressing.
During 2010, the NFTA did rearrange the area in the country that each Field Officer would cover, as part of an efficiency saving, which has enabled more funding to be given to the colleges to support apprentice training. It is appreciated that changing the apprentice’s Field Officer during their Apprenticeship is not ideal, and we will try to keep any further changes to a minimum.
The NFTA met the Field Officers in March and these comments were put to them, so that they are aware of the apprentices' concerns.
General
The following were more general comments:
❱ More resources needed to assist learning, ie, more internet publication of videos or online lectures to enable apprentices learn at their own speed.
❱ Feel the Diploma was a tense and terrifying exam and it all depends whether you can calm your nerves enough to perform on the day.
❱ Would like the view of other apprentices to tell us how to complete the course.
In response, all three colleges currently have resources on their college intranets to assist apprentices. There is also the website knowfootknowhorse.com to which apprentices can subscribe. The NFTA has an interactive CD for sale that covers the anatomy and veterinary science of the horse. Although these are some of the places that apprentices can go to find information, it is accepted that it would be helpful if more e-learning was available.
To try to help apprentices prepare for the Diploma examination, the British Farriers and Blacksmith Association introduced pre Diploma days at Stoneleigh approximately two years ago. The feedback from these days has been very positive. The apprentice can complete both theory and practical exercises and feedback is given by the WCF examiners. The NFTA is aware that similar days are held in other parts of the country and would recommend to any apprentice that is about to take the Diploma that they attend one of these courses particularly if WCF examiners will be available for advice.
The request for the views of other apprentices on how to complete the course is something the NFTA will investigate, to see how this might best be achieved and will provide further feedback in Forge magazine.
Apprentices are reminded that the NFTA will be holding regional sessions during April and May, and would urge all apprentices to try to attend. There will be an opportunity during the sessions for questions to be put directly to NFTA staff. Further information is available from the NFTA website, www.farrierytraining.co.uk

ATF Conference, what did participants think? - April 2011

The NFTA has been compiling the feedback received from the ATF Conference 2010.
A questionnaire given out on the day asked these five questions:

Questions
❱ What, if any, changes would you like to see to the Apprenticeship in 5 years time?
❱ Do you believe that an ATF would benefit from receiving training on how to select apprentices in an attempt to improve retention and successful completion?
❱ Do you feel you have enough access to decision making? How could this be improved?
❱ Do you have any suggestions for improving the Conference?
❱ Suggestions of other locations where the Conference could be held in the future?

Here is a summary of the answers received.
What if any changes would you like to see to the apprenticeship in 5 years time?
❱ A centralised process for apprentices that tests the candidates' abilities with a shoe making session, theory exam, psychometric test and interview, all to be paid for by the candidate. ATFs would be able to select from a holding pool of successful candidates but the ATF would not lose his right to select from outside this pool
❱ College blocks to be shorter but more frequent.
❱ First year, should comprise of an ‘Access’-type course, and the fourth year as a journeyman farrier, still supported by the ATF but with more freedom.
❱ Apprentices' selection based on their quality not on date of arrival of application form.
❱ Review college syllabus, in keeping with work based skills and examine effectiveness of delivery in the number of weeks at college.
❱ Compulsory for apprentice to stay with ATF for 2 years after completing Diploma.
❱ All apprenticeships to be privately funded.
❱ Raise professional standards in ethics, business management.
❱ Higher entry levels and also higher standard of ATF.
❱ The army system with no NVQ is great.
It was agreed at the FRC Council meeting in November 2010, that an FRC Working Group would be formed to complete a Strategic Review of the Apprenticeship and all the suggestions have been forwarded to the working group for its consideration.
Do you believe that an ATF would benefit from receiving training on how to select apprentices in an attempt to improve retention and successful completion?
There was no clear answer to this question. Some respondents did feel that some type of training would benefit ATFs, whereas others felt that farriers should not be applying to be ATFs unless they had the skills for selecting apprentices, or that the probation period was sufficient to judge an apprentice's potential.
The NFTA is considering the options available to try to assist those ATFs who may feel that they would like assistance in this area.

Do you feel you have enough access to decision making? How could this be improved?
Only four comments were made on this question, but all of them felt that in one way or another there was not enough access to decision making. The general comments were:
❱ One meeting a year is barely enough.
❱ Perhaps more topics should be put out for discussion in the Forge magazine.
❱ Far too much is set in stone and not up to the ATF.
❱ Being able to give feedback on future changes helps.
However, one person commented that it was appreciated how difficult it would be to involve all training farriers in every decision.
The NFTA is continually looking for ways in which to communicate with ATFs. ATFs are reminded that there will be regional sessions taking place during April and May at which there will be an opportunity during the sessions for questions to be put directly to NFTA and FRC staff.
Do you have any suggestions for improving the Conference?
A number of suggestions were received on this subject as follows:
❱ Trade stands should be in one location and on the way to the conference room.
❱ More time to be dedicated to discussing ATF related topics, training subjects, exam techniques, shoe and tool making etc.
❱ Compulsory attendance – once every two years, but minimum of twice throughout an apprentice’s contract.
❱ Cover something in the Forge (in groups).
❱ Combine it in a weekend with Master/Apprentice competition, CPD and ATF Conference and social event.
❱ Hold the conference on a weekday.
❱ Review of the Diploma exam undertaken by a panel, which consists of ATFs other than Company examiners.
As can be seen from the comments it will always be difficult for the NFTA to satisfy all ATFs. The NFTA has previously asked ATFs whether they would like the Conference to be held on a weekday or weekend and the majority opted for a weekend. However, we will review these comments when organising the next ATF Conference to try to meet the needs of the majority of ATFs.

Suggestions of other locations where the Conference could be held in the future?
A number of suggestions were put forward as venues for the ATF Conference and they will be considered. However, some of the suggestions put forward may not be viable due to the cost. ATFs will be aware that the NFTA will hold regional sessions with ATFs regarding the changes to the this year, and if this format is successful then it may be considered for the future.

 

Attention All ATFs and Apprentices - You need to read this - February 2011

As you are probably aware, the recent policy changes spearheaded by the Government have had an impact on the delivery of the farriery apprenticeship.
To ensure that you understand the implication these changes will have on you, the NFTA is organising a series of regional roadshows across the country between April and June 2011. Early indications are that these will be held in the following areas:
North West
North East
Scotland
Midlands
South East
South West
It is imperative you attend these roadshows to gain an insight and understanding of changes being made to
The Academic Plan
The Training Programme
Apprentice Unsatisfactory Progress Policy (previously known as CARP)
Training Review Policy
Exact dates and venues will be available shortly.

ATFs and Apprentices - February 2011

Change of Contact Details
A number of ATFs and Apprentices have not informed the NFTA of changes of address and contact details. Recently this posed a major problem as the NFTA had provided the WCF with the details from its database. When the WCF sent out applications to apprentices to sit the Diploma Examination, a number of these went to the wrong address. This could have resulted in apprentices being excluded from the examination had the problem not been resolved in time.
A number of ATFs and Apprentices have not informed the NFTA when they have changed thier address and contact details:
ATFS
◗ Registered + Forge address
◗ Registered + Forge telephone number
◗ Mobile telephone number
Apprentices
◗ Accommodation address
◗ Accommodation telephone number
◗ Mobile telephone number

NFTA Survey - February 2011

What the apprentices had to say …
During 2010 the NFTA carried out a number of surveys to increase its understanding of how the apprenticeship experience is viewed by apprentices. The feedback received applies to their experiences of the colleges, the NFTA, their ATFs, the NVQ system, the Field Officers and more general information.
This article focuses on feedback regarding the NFTA, while the April issue of the Forge will address some of the other areas covered.
It is not possible to answer every comment, however, in an attempt to cover most of the statements, feedback is provided under the following headings:
◗ Funding/spending
◗ College attendance
◗ ATF/Apprentice/NFTA relationship
Funding/spending
Comments are often received along the lines, 'NFTA is more into making money for itself'. To try to explain how the NFTA's finances work, the lists below show where the NFTA's money comes from, and how it is spent.
The NFTA receives funds from:
◗ The Skills Funding Agency, a Government agency. Nearly all of its funding comes from this agency.
◗ ATF contribution for apprentices who start the apprenticeship aged 19 or above (currently £3,500 over 4 years).
◗ Private apprentices who already have any qualification higher than the NVQ level 3. (There are currently 7 private apprentices).
The NFTA spends funds on:
◗ Payments to colleges for them to provide tutors/forges/steel and so on, and learning support, where required.
◗ Payments to the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) for registering apprentices for the NVQ and overseeing that the colleges and apprentices complete the necessary work for successful completion of the NVQ.
◗ Payments to the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) for preparing, examining and providing results of the DipWCF.
◗ NFTA college administrators who work within the three colleges and support farriery department staff.
◗ NFTA Internal Verifiers who attend all three colleges.
◗ Field Officer support for approximately 450 apprentices throughout the UK.
◗ Learning support for about 135 apprentices throughout the UK.
◗ Support for ATFs, prospective apprentices and apprentices from within Sefton House, Peterborough – covering areas like ATF and apprentice recruitment, welfare, health and safety, training progress, and so on.
◗ Management of the Apprenticeship - liaising with organisations such as the Skills Funding Agency, National Apprenticeship Service, Lantra, the Farriers Registration Council, WCF, BHEST, British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association (BFBA) and the colleges.
Like most organisations, the NFTA is always looking for ways to be more efficient. In the current economic climate, with Government cuts in education, including those to the NFTA, this has meant that to provide colleges with the funds they require, the NFTA has had to look even more closely at how it operates.
The Skills Funding Agency checks each year that the NFTA is spending its funds correctly on the training of apprentices, and the NFTA’s Accounts are published annually and available to anyone who wishes to see them.
College attendance
The question of how many weeks an apprentice should spend at college and whether these should be blocks of two, three or four weeks, is one that comes up time and again from apprentices, while others believe that there should be more radical changes to the college attendance.
The NFTA has listened to ATFs, apprentices, the colleges, the WCF and BFBA, and the subject has been referred to the Farriers Registration Council.
All ATFs and apprentices should have received an update on the changes to the Academic Plan that are to be introduced from September 2011. These changes have come about partly as a result of apprentices' comments (apprentices felt that there were insufficient horses to shoe while at college). However, changing to the Academic Plan will always be difficult because any changes are unlikely to suit all 450 apprentices and their ATFs, but the NFTA is continually trying to improve the apprenticeship experience.
ATF/Apprentice/NFTA relationship
There are always a number of comments covering this subject but the majority cover three areas:
◗ Treatment of apprentices by ATFs.
◗ Lack of training provided by the ATF.
◗ NFTA has no power over ATFs.
It is important to stress that the NFTA does not condone mistreatment of any apprentice. All apprentices have signed an Apprenticeship Agreement which, together with the Apprenticeship Handbook, lays out where the ATF, the apprentice and the NFTA's responsibilities lie, and how things may be resolved if necessary.
It is important to remind apprentices that they should read these documents and, if they have any difficulties, they should follow the procedures set out. These guidelines are not just for the farriery profession – all employers/employees should follow similar procedures, which may be taken into consideration should the apprentice take their ATF to an employment tribunal. Apprentices are strongly recommended to follow the Grievance Procedure provided and, should they require advice prior to submitting it, this can be obtained from Julie Olver, the NFTA's Employment Relations Manager. However, the NFTA cannot give legal advice but will direct apprentices to an alternative source for this information.
Apprentice comments on the subject of their treatment by some ATFs included the statements, 'the welfare of the apprentice is diabolical', and 'tighter checks on ATFs would prevent apprentices being overworked and under paid'. The NFTA investigates all complaints and takes appropriate action, whether they are due to mistreatment of the apprentice or a lack of training. However, this is very difficult to achieve if the apprentice is unwilling for their concerns to be put to the ATF.
A number of apprentices have questioned whether the NFTA has any authority to ensure that ATFs meet their obligations. What apprentices may not be aware of is that there is an NFTA policy, 'Guide to the Removal or Review of Approved Training Farriery Status', that the NFTA can adopt, as well as the College Attendance and Referral Policy (CARP). A new policy, 'A Guide to the Appointment, Monitoring, Review and Removal of Approved Training Farrier Status', is being prepared and is due to be issued later this year. It is considered that this policy, together with the new 'Apprentice Unsatisfactory Progress Policy and Training Review' policy, gives the NFTA sufficient authority to ensure ATFs meet their obligations, but it is only with the help and assistance of apprentices that these policies can work.

NFTA Staff Restructure - February 2011

The NFTA has undergone a staff restructure, and a number of posts have been combined. To help you to contact the right person at Sefton House, five members of staff are featured here, along with their areas of responsibility. More staff members will feature in the next issue.

Julie Olver – NFTA Employment Relations Manager
Julie joined the NFTA in September 2009, after completing 22 years’ service in the Royal Air Force. She has worked within personnel management (human resources) in various locations within the UK and overseas. An Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Julie has attended numerous courses and seminars relating to employment law and welfare. Julie should be contacted regarding:
❱ Disciplinary matters
❱ Performance management queries
❱ Grievance matters
❱ Welfare concerns
❱ Redundancy situations
❱ Equality and diversity

Vicki Cooper - Recruitment and CPD Manager
Vicki Cooper (previously Davitt) joined the then FTS in September 2003 as Admissions Officer. Over the past seven years further roles have been added to her job and now Vicki has responsibility for all Apprentice and ATF recruitment, the website, publicity/events management, CPD recording and advertising for Registered Farriers. Recently, Vicki has been promoted to Deputy Operations Manager, a role that she is very excited about. Vicki is proud of her achievements during her time at the NFTA and is looking forward to a bright future.

Jane Glenn – Recruitment and Employment Relations Support
Jane has been with the NFTA since May 2009, after returning from Australia where she lived for a year. Jane was employed originally to support the Employment Relations Manager on a short-term contract, but instead will be providing support to the Recruitment and CPD Manager, as well as the Employment Relations Manager.

Jo-Anne Adams - NFTA Health and Safety Manager
Jo-Anne joined the NFTA in October 2006 in a temporary administrator's role and in August 2007 took over the Health and Safety Manager's role. Jo-Anne’s main responsibilities include carrying out forge inspections, giving advice and guidance to Apprentices and ATFs, and investigates any accidents involving apprentices.
Jo-Anne has various health and safety qualifications including IOSH* Managing Safety, National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH) Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Distinction); NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management (Distinction), and is currently working towards the Level 6 NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
* IOSH is the chartered body for health and safety professionals.

Laura Edmonds - NFTA Progress Review Manager
Laura has been with the NFTA since December 2005 in a junior administrative role, and later progressed to the role of Training Programme Administrator. In August 2010, Laura became the NFTA’s Progress Review Manager to ensure that the progress of all apprentices is recorded, monitored and any necessary action undertaken. Laura is the main point of contact for the Field Officers, the Learning Support Coordinators and the College Learning Support Departments. Laura also records all apprentice sickness and any change of personal details.

Approved Training Farriers Conference & Farriery Trade Fair - 24 October 2010

Myerscough College
Programme
08.00 Trade Fair opens and registration begins, Standard Setting exercise
09.30 Conference starts with introduction by Kevin Willard, FWCF
09.35 Welcome by Ann Turner, Principal Myerscough College
09.45 Presentation on the Teaching of Theory - Mark Caldwell FWCF
10.30 Presentation on Laminitis - Celia Marr BVMS MVMPhD DEIM DipECEIM MRCVS
11.15 Tea Break
11.30 Presentation on the Common Themes in the Treatment of Laminitis -
Simon Curtis, FWCF, Hon. Assoc. RCVS
12.15 Lunch & Trade stands, Standard Setting Feedback
14.00 Presentation on Teaching Shoemaking - Stephen Newman FWCF Cert Ed, GCGI MCMI
14.45 New Apprenticeship Framework and Questions – Nicky Butcher and Neville Higgins
15.15 CARP and Questions - Nicky Butcher and Neville Higgins
15.45 General Question Time
16.30 Closing remarks by Howard Cooper FWCF Hons OBE
16.45 Coffee and Close

 

ATF CONFERENCE 2010
Preparations are under way for the ATF Conference scheduled for Sunday 24 October 2010.
It is not too late for ATFs to confirm their attendance.
Should you wish to attend, please do so by contacting the NFTA on 01733 319770.
Given the numerous changes to the Farriery Apprenticeship that will be made in the year ahead, this will be an opportune forum for ATFs to understand the new framework and raise any queries they might have. Furthermore, we have a number of eminent speakers, trade stands and a question hour. Rest assured, the day is definitely going to prove beneficial.

 

Training Advisory Committee Elections

A letter to all Registered Farriers was included with the July Bulletin regarding nominations for membership of the Farriery Training Advisory Committee.
Following a discussion at FRC Council, it has been decided that the relationship between the Farriery Training Agency Management Board (NFTAMB) and the Training Advisory Committee (TAC) should be reviewed.
The Chairman of Council – Professor Ron Jones – will report on this subject at the next Council meeting in early November. Therefore, the TAC Election process has been put on hold, and ballot papers will not be issued on 13 October. Further details will be reported as soon as they are available.

Field Officer visits - an update

To try to provide a more efficient and cost-effective service to ATFs and Apprentices, the National Farrier Training Agency (NFTA) now has 13 Field Officers throughout the country, based as close as possible to their own geographical area.
To meet its contractual requirements, the NFTA should visit each apprentice and their ATF in their workplace, a minimum of twice a year. These visits must take place between 13 and 15 weeks after a college ‘block’.
In preparation for a visit from your Field Officer it is suggested that ATFs should ensure that they have the following information to hand:
❱ The Apprentice Action Plan with work completed as indicated for the three-month plan (this is to be ready for the Field Officer to check and sign during the visit).
❱ Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to all apprentices at no cost to themselves.
❱ The current Certificate of Employer’s Liability Insurance must be up to date and displayed in the workplace.
❱ Health & Safety Law poster should be displayed and fully completed.
❱ Current Insurance Policy Schedule – showing the inclusion of Public Liability & Injury to Horses, and the total number of employees included under your insurance.
❱ Motor Vehicle Insurance Certificate/Policy Schedule for all vehicles used for work, including apprentice’s own vehicle if applicable, including MOT Certificate.
❱ Arrange for apprentices to have at least 3 wage slips with them to show to the Field Officer.
❱ Apprentices should have their portfolio of evidence/college workbook, along with their current ‘action plan’ ready for their next college attendance.
During the course of the visit your Field Officer will speak to the ATF and apprentices together and individually. He will be checking on the apprentice’s welfare, progress and health and safety, as well as any issues raised by either party.

Information for ATFs

Many ATFs will have received a telephone call from the Employer Data Service, known as EDS, with regard to verifying their details as an employer. Once these details have been verified, the EDS will contact the NFTA with a unique Employer Number for each ATF. The NFTA uses this number to update records between the NFTA and the Learning and Skills Council, which is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.
Why is this required?
From August 2009, it became a government requirement for the NFTA, along with all other training providers, to provide a Unique Employer Reference Number. This number is collected from the Employer Data Service and helps to identify apprentices in the public sector with regard to funding.
The NFTA must contact the EDS to obtain this number from its database. Should an employer not be on the EDS database, they are required to contact the employer within 10 working days, to verify that any new information they create is accurate. Once the new data has been created, the EDS issues a unique reference number for the employer (ATF), and forwards confirmation of this to the NFTA where their records will be updated.
This information is automatically forwarded to a Training Provider’s (NFTA) skill broker and as such avoids ATFs being targeted in any marketing activities.
The NFTA would be grateful if all ATFs would cooperate with the EDS and either reply to their e-mails or telephone calls as soon as possible.

NFTA News

Cost to ATFs of recruiting apprentices
Over the past four years the amount of grant aid funding provided by the Government for apprentices aged 19 or over has been reducing year on year and now stands at 50%; the Government expects employers to contribute the other half. In real terms, this is approximately £8,000, however, the NFTA has taken into consideration other costs to ATFs such as coke, gas, steel and wages payable while at college, and has therefore set the employer's contribution at £3,500. The Government provides 100% grant-aid funding for apprentices 16 to 18 years of age with no contribution from the employer.
TAC Elections
There are six elected posts on the Training Advisory Committee that must be occupied by farriers; three of whom must be Approved Training Farriers. The present encumbents are due to complete their three-year terms on December 31, 2010. The election process, as stipulated in the FRC's rules and procedures, will commence shortly with all registered farriers in Parts 1 II and IV of the Register, and you will receive all the relevant information. We would encourage any farrier who is interested in the training of farrier apprentices to consider putting themselves forward for election.
ATF Conference 2010
The postponed ATF Conference is scheduled for Sunday 24 October. The feedback from last year's conference was that all participants found the day to be extremely informative and recommended that it be held on a regular basis. NFTA has taken into consideration the suggestions and comments made by those ATFs who attended, and it is confident that this year's conference will prove even more valuable. Agenda items have been discussed in depth to ensure ATFs will be kept abreast of various changes in Government policy, as well as providing ATFs with the opportunity to seek clarification/raise queries.
Retakes of WCF Diploma
The NFTA receives grant-aid for each apprentice to sit one WCF Diploma examination. In the past, the NFTA has paid for retakes, however, due to cutbacks in government funding, it is now only able to pay for an apprentice to take the Diploma examination once. Therefore, with immediate effect, should an apprentice fail, he/she will be required to pay £500 to re-sit any subsequent Diploma Examinations. This amount will have to be paid in advance of the exam.

Consultation launched to finalise the farriery advanced apprenticeship

Following the first stage of the apprenticeship review process at the end of 2009, which involved a questionnaire seeking Farrier’s views on the current advanced apprenticeship framework, Lantra have worked with industry to revise the qualifications within the farriery Apprenticeship framework.
The next and final stage of the review process will be to request industry’s support and feedback on the newly revised framework which will be implemented on the 1st April 2011.
There will be an online consultation, from Wednesday 1 September to Friday 1 October, to establish whether Lantra have the content of the Apprenticeship framework correct in order to meet industry’s needs.
Lisa Jarvis, Industry Partnership Manager for farriery at Lantra, said: “As Apprenticeships provide the only route into the industry, it is essential that the content is up-to-date, relevant and meets industry needs. Having apprentices that are well-trained helps UK farriers meet the high professional standards required to become a Registered Farrier so I strongly recommend industry takes part in the consultation.”
One of the most successful in the UK, with an overall achievement rate of 85%, the farriery Advanced Apprenticeship is completed by on-the-job training, delivered by approved training farriers in the workplace and through approved college or training providers during block release programmes.
Lisa continued: “We are responsible for developing the content of Apprenticeships in farriery and ensuring that farriers continue to benefit from this type of training scheme. We work jointly with the regulatory body FRC and training agency NFTA and are now inviting farriers to take part in a consultation to comment on the Apprenticeship frameworks.”
Olympic farrier, Ian Hughes, said: “As a training farrier it’s great to see your apprentice come on. I always say they start as a kid and leave as an adult. It’s nice, too, when customers say they are a credit to you. Customers really do acknowledge the value of apprentices. I would have no qualms sending my apprentices out anywhere. If you didn’t have the apprenticeship system, and the ATF system with set standards, this industry would either die a death or the standards would drop.”
Jo-Anne Bryan, Lantra’s Apprenticeship Manager, added: “These frameworks cannot be developed without your help. We need as many farriers as possible to help with this consultation. It will be a great opportunity for farriers to let us know what they need from an Apprenticeship, making them fit for purpose and valued by all.”

The National Farrier Training Agency Management Board

Following a decision not to separate the National Farrier Training Agency (NFTA) from the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), the FRC carried out a governance review, as a result of which it was decided that the current NFTA Management Board (NFTAMB) should be increased to include representatives from the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF), the FRC and the Training Advisory Committee (TAC). Historically, the Chief Executive/Training Director was the only executive member on the Board. However, after deciding not to have a Chief Executive, the Board will now consist of eight non-executive members, with the newly appointed Operations Manager, Neville Higgins reporting directly to the Board.
Howard Cooper OBE FWCF(Hons) is NFTAMB chairman, appointed through open competition. A nationally and internationally renowned farrier, Howard has held a number of senior positions in the industry. He was the first working farrier to be FRC Council Chairman, WCF Master and Chairman of NFTAMB. Howard chaired the WCF Examination Board and Craft Committee. He remains active across a number of key committees, including the European Federation of Farrier Associations, and is chairman of its Accreditation Board; he regularly attends the WCF Court as a Past Master. Awarded the OBE for services to equine welfare, Howard is one of a few farriers to achieve Honours in the WCF Fellowship examination.
Simon Curtis FWCF HonAssoc (RCVS) is the WCF’s representative on the Board. Based at his busy farriery practice in Newmarket, Simon has travelled widely, lectured and demonstrated his farriery skills in 20 countries and on all six continents. He has published books about the equine hoof care needs of racehorses and remedial horseshoeing. Simon has held all of the most senior positions in the profession, including WCF Master, and has chaired the WCF Craft Committee, and the FRC Visitation Committee as well as being the most recent past Chairman of FRC Council. An Approved Training Farrier for many years, Simon has a long held interest in training and the development of professional standards. He was appointed an Honorary Associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has been inducted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame in Kentucky, USA.
John Dring OBE BSc FCIPD appointed through open competition, began his career as an RAF pilot and then joined the Prison Service. After being a Prison Governor he became the National Head of Staff Training and concluded his public service as an area director of the Prisons in the South East. Since taking early retirement, John has been involved in the assessment of candidates for senior positions in the Prison and Police Services. Additionally, John provides management consultancy for clients such as law firms, the UK Border Agency and private prison companies. He also acts as a coach for senior executives in universities, prisons and charities. John is a trustee of two national charities and was made an OBE in 2001 for services to a National Children's Charity.
John Gilliver MRCVS is the son of a dairy farmer who developed an interest in horses at an early age. He graduated from the Liverpool Veterinary School and established his own veterinary practice in Lancashire, which is now almost exclusively devoted to equine care. John has served on the British Equine Veterinary Association Council and his son is a registered farrier. John was appointed through open competition.
Paul Gordon Dip WCF, FRC Council’s representative, qualified as a registered farrier in 1982, and subsequently achieved Approved Training Farrier status in 2000. With an active interest in training, Paul has trained several apprentices. Paul has championed equality and diversity issues and many of his apprentices have been female, the most recent of which graduated in 2009. He has a particular interest in remedial farriery, and has established positive working relationships with veterinary practices in the Cheshire area where he is based.
Chris Nixon NDA CertEd FRAgS was brought up on a family run farm and his working life has been focused on education in the land-based sector. He has worked at three agricultural colleges, Newton Rigg, Bishop Burton and Oatridge College in Scotland. As Principal of Oatridge College, Chris introduced Equine Studies and Farriery to the curriculum. Chris used to run a livery yard, showing and breeding horses and ponies, competing at local and national competitions. He has now retired from education and runs a livery and haulage company. Chris has been appointed to represent the FRC.
Kevin Willard FWCF the Chairman of TAC, served his farriery apprenticeship with the renowned Edgar Stern FWCF. He achieved his AWCF in 1986 and successfully attained his Fellowship of the Company in 2004, becoming one of the relatively few to achieve this highest professional standard. Kevin made a key contribution to the establishment of the Farriery NVQ and he has since been very active with the farriery colleges as a qualified Technical Internal Verifier and External Verifier. As a WCF Examiner and an Approved Training Farrier, Kevin has extensive experience of the delivery of the farriery apprenticeship from all perspectives. With a keen interest in research, Kevin is a member of the Kent and Surrey Vet/Farriers Equine Limb Research Team.
Jessica Williams BSc Hons graduated from Southampton and Cambridge universities with degrees in biology and education. Jessica began her teaching career in biology and then took on a management role as head of year. Following a career break to raise a family, Jessica returned to teaching at an Independent School in Wales where she teaches biology, mathematics and psychology. A keen horsewoman, Jessica is very familiar with the farriery needs of clients. Jessica was appointed through open competition representing the education sector.
Neville Higgins has been appointed as the NFTA’s Operations Manager, reporting directly to the NFTA Management Board.  Neville is responsible for overseeing and managing the NFTA's day-to-day operational issues and the Agency’s staff. He joined the FTA in 2005 as the Quality Assurance Coordinator, responsible for developing and overseeing operational procedures, and for coordinating new initiatives to enable the FTA to provide a forward-thinking, responsive and efficient service. Neville has a well-rounded knowledge of the NFTA's activities, and is well equipped to take the agency forward as new Government initiatives and funding arrangements are announced. Having been involved in devising and assessing Apprentice and ATF satisfaction surveys, he has an excellent understanding of what trainee and trainer need and expect from the farriery apprenticeship.
Prior to joining the NFTA, Neville served in the Royal Air Force for 36 years, having worked his way through the ranks, gaining experience in quality management, accounts, human resources, training and infrastructure management.  

Robert Gregory is ATF of the Year

This year’s ATF of the Year Award was presented to Mr Robert Gregory as part of the WCF presentation ceremony on February 25, at the Honourable Artillery Company in London. The National Farrier Training Agency holds this award because it feels that it is important to acknowledge and reward the ATF who consistently delivers good training and support to his apprentices, but who also has been found to go that ‘extra mile’, by providing an exceptional level of training and commitment.
The colleges were asked to nominate two ATFs who had apprentices completing their diploma in 2009. The previous apprentices submitted nomination forms for their individual ATFs. The Field Officers for each ATF also had a significant input.
Mr Gregory was described by the judges as ‘showing an outstanding amount of commitment to his apprentice’ throughout the apprenticeship. He was praised by the College, the Field Officer and his previous apprentice for being ‘always there when I needed help, always treating me as one of his own, and providing all the support and encouragement I needed – in and out of the workplace – to get me where I am today’. Mr Gregory was said to be ever ready to put in that extra bit of effort and always to have the safety and welfare of his apprentices foremost in priority; furthermore, he has always given 100 per cent to his apprentices’.
Stromsholm kindly donated his prize, a dead leg specimen, which will no doubt prove to be an invaluable training tool for Mr Gregory and his future apprentices. Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the farriery industry, also provided a £200 Handmade Shoes voucher.

 

The Annual ATF Conference & Farriery Trade Fair

*** POSTPONED ***

17th & 18th April 2010
Following the success of the first Annual ATF Conference on 10th May 2009 at Lantra House we are now looking forward to the 2010 ATF Conference which will be held at Myerscough College.
Following suggestions and feedback from this year we will be having more workshops and there will be more time for discussion.
A number of ATFs have mentioned that it would be great to have a dedicated Farriery Trade Fair. We too believe this would be a good idea and so are planning to run a Farriery Trade Fair alongside the ATF Conference which will be open to all farriers and apprentices. We aim to include exhibitors from all areas of farriery - from shoe suppliers to safety equipment and from van outfitters to business software!
If you are interested in being part of the Farriery Trade Fair or in Sponsorship Opportunities please contact: Vicki Davitt on 01733 319770.

Latest News

Fantastic news, the Government commitment to Apprenticeships in action!
Farrier apprentices aged 19 or over recently received some fantastic news from the National Farrier Training Agency, the National Apprentice Service has confirmed their support for the next two intakes:
● 33L July 2009.
There are 25, 19+ apprentices
● 34S January 2010.
There are 34, 19+ apprentices
Additionally, in the case of all 19+ apprentices, the ATF will provide the Employers Contribution of £3,500 payable in installments over the four-year Apprenticeship.

Vicki Davitt, NFTA Recruitment and CPD Manager spent many long hours talking to the affected apprentices and ATFs who were delighted with the news that they would be funded by the National Apprentice Service

Improving Communications

Deployment of Field Officers

Peter Ablett, Chief Executive, Farrier Training Agency.
As an outcome of the FTA Financial Review 2009, the cost of Field Officer Operations came under the spotlight. When I came into post the, then called FTA was only achieving a 53% Field Officer Timely Visit Rate; this is now somewhere around 90%, which is a massive improvement, but has consequently increased costs significantly.
Initially, it was suggested that the FTA could achieve hefty savings by directly employing two full-time Field Officers. However, that would not work because it would mean that each Field officer would have to make something like 450 visits, aside from dealing with problem cases.
One way to reduce costs is to lessen the amount of travelling Field Officers have to do and to try to make trips achieve as many visits as possible. Discussions at an FTA Board Meeting indicated that we could move to a new model of Field Officers visiting Apprentices within a given radius of where they live, and also increase the number of Field Officers available, if we moved away from the requirement for them to hold the AWCF.
After discussions, we have looked at all areas currently covered, and some areas will be reallocated as from March 2010 in order to cut down on travelling costs; these new regions and areas of responsibility can be clearly seen on the map. I accept there are issues of Apprentice trust and rapport to address as we shift from one model to another, but together we must strive to deliver a quality service to Apprentices and ATFs at the lowest cost that we are able to.

New Field Officers

We advertised for Field Officers in Forge magazine, to which we received a healthy response leading to the recruitment of four further Field Officers to cover the South West of the country.
These new Field Officers are:
Mr Trevor Male AFCL Hons - Cornwall and Devon
Mr Nigel Pike RSS - Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire
Mr Graham Fox BEM RSS BII - Sussex and Hampshire
Mr Tom Burch RSS - Essex, Kent and Surrey

Equine hoofcare plans lead the way to best practice

Equine hoofcare plans help apprentice farriers to adopt best practice when approaching any horse for shoeing or trimming. This is an assessment phase, prior to shoeing. Apprentices need to learn to observe the static horse and then assess it dynamically; they must look at its overall conformation (and note any conformational problems); examine the wear and tear on the shoes; note any problems with the feet and get a history from the owner as well as asking what they are doing with their horse and what they want to do with their horse.
College tutors and the National Farrier Training Agency have devised a set of hoofcare plans for the front and hind feet to guide apprentices through the shoeing process. The plans act as a reminder of the information apprentices need before they start work on a horse.

First meeting for strategic partners

As an organisation that facilitates the training of would-be young farriers coming into the profession, the Farriery Training Agency (FTA*) inevitably relies on a number of so called strategic partners.
Perhaps oddly, because the way day to day business is done, the FTA tends to deal with those partners individually. Recognising that there was potentially a lot of value to be gained by bringing those partners together to share their thoughts. Peter Ablett, FTA Chief Executive, arranged such a get together at the end of November 2009.
He was joined by colleagues from upstream and downstream of the training supply chain, including Sector Skills Council, LANTRA, the National Apprenticeship Service, the Worshipful Company of Farriers and Warwickshire, Myerscough and Herefordshire Colleges. Key industry stakeholders were also represented including the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust, the National Association NAFBAE, Forge Magazine and the Farriers Registration Council, FTA’s parent.
After a welcome and introduction by Howard Cooper, Chairman of the FTA Management Board, Peter Ablett gave the meeting a detailed brief on the work of the FTA and a review of the last year, with a summary of the key issues going forward.
With the scene suitably set, a lively discussion ensued, variously focusing on apprentices, Approved Training Farriers (ATFs) and the process of learning delivery. There was a recurring theme, however, that of quality. To that end, an early word by Richard Bridges, Chairman of the Farriery CPDSG (Continuing Professional Development Steering Group), seemed rather appropriate.
CPD is not compulsory for practising farriers so it is a credit to the work of the steering group that in a little over two years well over half of them have registered CPD points. Some discussion followed on the wide variety of ways for farriers to engage in CPD and how those who are disinclined to do so could be encouraged to have a look.
Reg Howe, Master of the WCF, said that that there was a huge mountain to climb in the education of the horse owning public and explained that the ‘Gold Standard’ series of articles in Forge Magazine was part of an ongoing WCF campaign in this regard. The raising of the understanding and hence expectations of the horse owner would in itself progressively help farriery CPD become driven by demand.
The entry standards of apprentices stimulated a particularly lively debate about the extent to which candidates should be assisted.
Howard Cooper was one who felt that if standards were to be maintained and problems avoided later on after qualification, then it should be accepted that those falling short of the entry criteria were not suitable.
With around 30% of apprentices identified as having additional learning needs, for which the FTA provides support, there was an equally vocal view from the meeting that the method of assessment should not in itself present a barrier to entry.
The ATFs also came in for some scrutiny, given their essential role in the training and development of the apprentice. The quality and delivery of the training and hence the ability of the ATF as a trainer, rather than a practitioner per se achieved a degree of consensus. Further increasing the list of requirements to become an ATF, as well as changes to ongoing licensing criteria was also discussed.
At this point one could be forgiven for wondering if there was a big problem with under-performing ATFs. In fact, having checked with FTA staff after the meeting, the numbers are relatively small and well known to FTA Field Officers. It would seem that bringing the few up to the standard of the many ought to be the priority rather than necessarily raising the bar even higher for everybody.
After some further discussion around learning delivery, Professor Ron Jones, FRC Chairman Elect brought the day’s proceedings to a close, describing it as a first opportunity for a useful exchange of views and information. In his closing remarks he endorsed to development of CPD and encouraged ATFs to take part and for all farriers to aspire to the higher diploma.
* The FTA has now been renamed the National Farrier Training Agency (NFTA), as published in Forge Magazine December 2009. This event pre-dates that change, hence the use of the former name in this report.

Improving Communications

‘Sefton House News’ will now form part of Forge magazine. 
Here, Peter Ablett, Chief Executive of the Farriery Training Agency  tells us why. 

The FTA is improving communications

‘We want to communicate FTA news and information as effectively and as professionally as possible. As Forge is sent to all registered farriers and apprentices, we shall “speak” to a much wider audience and I very much hope that this will bring about greater understanding and the sharing of best practice’, Peter said.

‘I am delighted that the FTA Management Board has decided that Sefton House News will become an integral part of Forge, and I am even more pleased that NAFBAE colleagues have welcomed the move’

Revised Farriery National Occupational Standards

The Farriery National Occupational Standards (NOS), which underpin the NVQ in farriery (a key element of the farriery advanced apprenticeship) have been revised. After consultation, the farriery industry grasped this opportunity to undertake a full review of the current national occupational standards.
There were many sound reasons for undertaking the review, rather than just to extend the current NVQ NOS. The main ones included:
The uses to which NOS are now applied have increased, and the current standards do not reflect all the skills required by the modern farrier;
Apprenticeship frameworks will change in 2010 and we need to ensure that our framework continues to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship blueprint and continues to attract funding;
The Government has requested that all current qualifications are moved to the newly formed Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which provides flexible, ‘bite-sized’ qualifications.
New legislation has been introduced and needs to be included with the NOS; and
The FRC, the FTA and Lantra are aware of the need to work closely with barefoot trimmers, and are keen to unite the equine hoofcare professions.
Following the hugely successful first ATF conference held at Lantra House in May, all attending farriers were consulted on the way forward. As a result, FTA Training Programme Manager, Nicky Butcher, redrafted the proposed outline for the new NOS.
The NOS working party comprises of: Howard Cooper, chairman of the Training Agency Management Board (TAMB; Cecil Swan, chairman of Training Advisory Committee and an ATF; Kevin Willard, BHEST technical external verifier and an ATF; Dan Guerrera, bare hoof strategy educator; Donovan Howden, FTA internal verifier and college tutor, Warwickshire College; Steve Lloyd, senior tutor at the School of Farriery, Hereford; Wayne Preece, senior tutor at Myerscough College and an ATF; Brian Saunders, Know Foot Know Horse.com; Nigel Gateshead, farrier specialising in barefoot performance horses; Jenny Smith, Lantra, project manager, standards and qualifications, Lisa Jarvis, Lantra, Industry Partnership Manager and Nicky Butcher FTA, Training Programme Manager.
‘The new National Occupational Standards were submitted for approval before the end of August. The review provided an ideal opportunity for farriery training to be updated and to reflect the true professionalism of the industry, acknowledge the good work undertaken in barefoot trimming and unite the groups for the benefit of all’
If you have any questions on the review or would like to make any comments regarding the content of the Farriery National Occupations Standards please contact either Nicky on 01733 319770 or email nickybutcher@farrierytraining.co.uk or
Jenny Smith on 02476 858433 or email Jenny.Smith@lantra.co.uk.

Why are field officer visits important?

Recent experiences of field officers having difficulty making arrangements to visit apprentices with the ATF present, has prompted the need to for a greater explanation of the role of the FTA. All Government funded apprenticeship programmes place a legal obligation on the learning provider (the FTA) to ensure that the progress of the apprentice is reviewed every 13 weeks throughout the programme.

‘There have been a growing number of occasions when our field officer has arrived to find that the ATF is not present. In order for us to fulfil a contractual obligation, it is absolutely essential that the ATF is present to give advice and feedback on the progress of their apprentice. We strive to make appointments that are convenient for all concerned and we respect the fact that ATFs and apprentices are very busy. There will always be emergencies, but it is vitally important for ATFs to understand that field officer visits are, in part, about tax payers being reassured that their money is being well spent on the apprentice, and that progress is as it should be.’

Here’s what you need to have handy

The FTA’s busy field officers visit apprentices to make sure the practical section of their apprenticeship is on target. This is a list of what they are looking for, to help to ensure everyone knows what to expect.

Apprentice action plan. They want to see that work has been completed and that the Action Plan has been signed and checked by their ATF.

The coke fire is lit and working.

There is adequate lighting and ventilation in the forge.

Personal Protective Equipment is available for the apprentice’s use.

There is a current Certificate of Employers Liability. A copy of the certificate of insurance must be displayed where your employees can easily read it (usually by displaying the document on the wall). However, since 1 October 2008 you have been allowed to display your certificate electronically. Employers choosing this method need to ensure their employees know how and where to find the certificate and have reasonable access to it.

Current insurance policy schedule showing the inclusion of public liability as well as insurance covering injury to horses.

Health and safety law poster displayed and completed

Wage slips – please arrange for each apprentice to have their last three payslips with them.

Record of electrical inspection/testing for fixed and portable equipment.

Record of regular inspection of fire extinguishers (in forge and in van[s])

Portfolio of evidence/college workbook (if available).

The van(s) used for mobile work.

Motor vehicle insurance certificate/policy schedule for all vehicles used for work including apprentice’s own vehicle if applicable.

MOT certificate for all vehicles used for work including apprentice’s own vehicle if applicable.

Hand tools.

A supply of steel and coke.

Anvil and fire for each apprentice in training.

First aid kit in the forge and van.

The field officers may also wish to see samples of the apprentice(s) practical work, so some apprentice(s) shoes/forging exercises should be available during each visit.

Farriery Training Agency Field Officer Conference 2009

Following a successful conference for FTA field officers in 2008, it was decided to make this an annual event, and the second event was held in June at Sacrewell Farm, near Peterborough.

To make the meeting as valuable as possible, FTA college administrators and learning support coordinators also came along and this enabled all those involved in reviewing/visiting apprentices and their approved training farriers to share areas of best practice, thereby increasing communication between all parties.

The conference was held over a two days and covered various topics and briefings, including: Interview technique, and ‘making conversation work’; Health and safety ; The review of the National Occupational Standards; An update on employment relations

The feedback shows that the event is worthwhile, providing useful information for the field officers when they are carrying out visits in order to best assist and support apprentices and ATFs.

The FTA reminds apprentices and ATFs that the field officers and FTA staff are there to help; if there is anything that they would like to see addressed they should contact their individual field officer or the FTA, telephone 01733 319770.

The role of a learning support coordinator

Of the 450 apprentices currently on the FTA apprenticeship programme, 32 per cent have additional learning needs. The FTA supports the learning and development of these apprentices through two learning support coordinators – Janet Kitto and Sue Charters – whose help is appreciated by apprentices and ATFs. Here, Sue describes her role.
“Although I have been in post for over a year now, I still think of myself as the new learning support coordinator. My area is the South East and the north, the rest of the country is covered by Janet Kitto.
“Modern apprenticeships provide a wonderful opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in the work place. Many highly successful people start out on this route frequently called the ‘university of life’. Stakeholders that have a part to play in the apprenticeship are the ATFs, the colleges, the FTA, and, under the FTA ‘umbrella’, the field officers and myself.
“The purpose of my visiting apprentices is to make sure they are on target for their next college attendance with regard to the theory portion of the course. Checking practical skills is the role of experienced field officers.
“I will help in any way I can to ensure apprentices have the right materials for their particular needs, and that they stay on target with the training programme; it does no one any good to be back-blocked.
Sometimes I need to teach, sometimes to explain, sometimes to congratulate (I enjoy that bit), and sometimes to nag, if I think they are slipping (I hate that bit).
“My role is to help you achieve your goal – the diploma. This is achieved through discussion, suggestions, goal setting, action planning, and overcoming obstacles together. I am just one of the links that FTA has put into place, along with the field officers to smooth that process.”

Safe Transport of LPG in Closed Vehicles

A recent accident – A recent national newspaper article highlighted the danger of the carriage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in closed vehicles with no ventilation. To summarise the accident, a driver – who had been unaware that there had been a gas leak in his vehicle – opened the loading door while attempting to light a cigarette. The cigarette lighter ignited the leaked gas causing an explosion. The driver suffered extensive facial burns.
Safety first – Legislation concerning the carriage of LPG is covered under The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007. If the amount of LPG carried does not exceed 330 kg, there is exemption from part of these regulations. Furthermore, if a farrier carries LPG and a gas forge (at the same time) in his work van, the regulations do not apply.
Best practice However good practice should always be considered. Drivers should be trained in the potential hazards and dangers of LPG, the safe handling of gas cylinders, emergency procedures and use of fire fighting appliances. Cylinders should be securely stored in the vehicle.
A 2 kg powder fire extinguisher must be carried in the cab of the vehicle.
Consideration should be given to ventilation of the vehicle. However, if this is not possible then the following warning sign may be affixed to the loading door (in letters no smaller than 25 mm).
WARNING, NO VENTILATION, OPEN WITH CAUTION
Closed vehicles carrying LPG may display three hazard diamonds of an approved pattern, one on the rear and one on each side of the vehicle.
(If you remove the LPG, remember to remove the hazard diamonds as signage should only be used when LPG is onboard).
If you need further help or advice regarding the carriage of LPG in a closed vehicle, please do not hesitate to contact the FTA, or alternatively, the Department of Transport on 0207 944 8300.

Public Liability Insurance for Horse Owners

Picture the scene: You are at a client’s yard shoeing a horse and the horse kicks out and causes you a serious injury, which means you cannot carry on your business for a certain period. Do you sue the owner for damages? Is the owner insured? If a claim is upheld, will this cause the owner financial hardship?

Horse owners are sometimes unaware of the ramifications should their horse cause an accident/injury to another person or damage to property. Claims can have devastating financial consequences for the uninsured.

Public liability insurance is available from insurance brokers or through membership of certain societies, for example, ‘gold members’ of the British Horse Society receive liability for accidental third party bodily injury and property damage.

The FTA is trying to raise awareness of the importance of owners to consider public liability insurance and perhaps when visiting clients this subject is one that you may wish to discuss with clients.

New Health and Safety PosterIn April, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a new version of its approved health and safety law poster. The new poster updates the previous one, which was published in April 1999. To accompany the poster, a leaflet, now in a more convenient format as a pocket card, updates the old leaflet that was also published in 1999.
Why is the law poster changing?
Research showed that the previous versions of poster and leaflet were visually unappealing and rarely read. The new versions have been redesigned to be more readable and engaging.
The poster and pocket card reflect recent changes in the law, and employers no longer need to provide written information on the poster or hand it to an employee with the pocket card. Instead, if advice is needed or a problem arises, employees are advised to phone the HSE Infoline to be put in touch with the health and safety enforcing authority for their workplace, or with HSE for employment medical advice.
Do the current posters have to be replaced?
Good news! To avoid unnecessary burdens on businesses, the HSE Board has set a five-year transition period. Although the current poster must be replaced with the new one (and the current leaflets replaced by the pocket cards) this should be achieved by 5 April 2014.
However, if you decide to keep the old poster up until the end of the transition period, you must keep the written information up-to-date.
The written information that employers have to provide in writing, is inserted in the appropriate boxes on the current poster, or given it to employees with the current leaflet. The required information is:
The name and address of the enforcing authority.
The address of the office of HSE’s Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS) for the premises concerned. (These addresses can be obtained by phoning HSE’s Infoline on 0845 345 0055.)
Competent person’s name and address.
Where can you get a copy of the new poster and how much will it cost?
You can order the new poster from the HSE website or from HSE books (telephone 01787 881165) or through booksellers. At the current VAT rate (15 per cent) the standard English or Welsh version costs £7.34. The semi-rigid version costs £11.75. A pack of pocket cards (25 cards) costs £5. All the new law posters will have a uniquely numbered hologram to prove authenticity.
Further details regarding the new poster can be found at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/lawposter.htm