ARCHIVE - The Farriery Training Agency (FTA) 2008

October 2008 - Forge Magazine

 

Archive - Forge Magazine - October 2008
Introducing Peter Ablett, the new FTA Training Director

FTA Training Director, Peter Ablett joined the agency at the beginning of June formally began his new role at the beginning of September.
Before joining the FTA, Peter was Chief Executive of the ‘Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners’ (CRFP) – a similar role to that of Registrar of the FRC. Prior to that, he held a number of senior roles in Police Training, which involved work-based learning across the UK.
You have been the ‘Training Director Designate’ for a few months now – has it been an enjoyable time?
“Loving it – absolutely loving it. Everyone I meet in the ‘farriery family’ is so friendly and helpful. The Management Board, the FTA and the FRC staff could not be more supportive. Most importantly, Miles has shared much of his valuable experience with me, which has been very much appreciated.”
What do you see as being the main challenges for you in your new role?
“The main challenges are to build new and productive relationships – farriery and the FTA can only move forward in partnership. To make the most of what I can contribute, I need to fully understand people’s fears and aspirations – if there are any barriers to success, we must overcome them!”
What message would you give to ATFs?
“ATFs are fundamentally crucial to the success of the advanced apprenticeship in farriery – we simply could not operate without them. It is important to reflect that the farriery apprenticeship scheme is one of the most successful in the UK, with a completion rate of 85%!
“The ATF is at the heart of this success story. I shall be doing all I can to support and encourage ATFs – together they are building the future of farriery and, crucially, protecting the long term needs of equine welfare.”
What message would you give to apprentices?
“From what I have seen so far, our apprentices represent the very best of our youth today. They are so keen and eager to learn! The energy I have witnessed at apprentice shoemaking competitions has been truly amazing – I am sure they would inspire anyone thinking of becoming a farrier.
“My key messages to apprentices would be; always think about the welfare of the equine you are working on and learn all you can from your master because you cannot put a price on such knowledge and experience. Also, make sure that your working environment is safe and if you have any problems, do not be backward in coming forward. Why can’t we achieve a 100% successful completion rate?”
What are your aims for the FTA in the coming year?
“My main aim for the FTA in the coming year is to concentrate on our strategy; ensuring that it is fit for purpose, fully endorsed and supported by all our partners in the ‘farriery family’.
“I am very much hoping that we can organise an FTA Stakeholder Conference next year, which will be primarily aimed at ATFs, so that we have an opportunity to share and discuss key themes. We will listen very carefully and if changes need to be made – we will make them.”
How would you describe your approach as ‘Training Director’?
“As Training Director my approach, and indeed my key responsibility, is protecting equine welfare through knowledge and learning. To achieve that, I must encourage everyone involved in the advanced apprenticeship to embrace the highest possible professional standards.
Who do you feel has inspired you in your career to date?
“I was born lucky; not in wealth but in the riches of the countryside. As a small boy, a close family friend, Peter Howard, taught me horsemanship, hunting, fishing and shooting. Peter was the salt of the earth. In adulthood, the most inspirational person for me has been Sir Ronnie Flanagan, currently Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, but most would remember him as Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
“In my view, his qualities as a leader are unsurpassed and I mean that in every context of human endeavour, not just policing. He once used a forensic science principle; ‘Every Contact Leaves a Trace’, to describe what leadership is really about. I have never forgotten that, and in a way, it says it all about the relationship between ATF and apprentice.”
Do you have any comments to make about the farriery industry in general?
“Farriers, in my opinion, are unique and special. The craft can boast a long tradition (not many professions can trace their origins to 1356!) and the profession is rich in values. The human race owes the equine species so much for its past successes (‘My Kingdom for a Horse!’), and thankfully now that horses are not needed for war or transport, we can focus on sport and pleasure.
“Farriery is a tough and sometimes lonely job. I personally would like to see a greater focus on health and safety and occupational health research for farriers. Put simply, I would like to see accidents reduced as much as is possible and for farriers to enjoy long and healthy careers.”
Do you have any further comments?
“Finally I would just like to say how privileged I feel to have been given this opportunity to lead the FTA and contribute to the future of farriery.”