The Saddlery Training Centre Trainers

Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, National Vocational Qualifications
General Saddlery Courses and the New Entrants Training Scheme

Mark Romain Director and Training Advisor of The Saddlery Training Centre

Mark has worked in the Saddlery trade for 31 years, 14 of which were spent as the Saddlery & Leatherwork advisor, for CoSIRA (Council of Small Businesses on Rural Areas), The Rural Development Commission and The Countryside Agency.

Instructing apprentices on the New Entrants Training Scheme (NETS) and General Saddlery Courses (for more experienced saddlers in the trade).
During this time he has contributed to the training of over 130 apprentices on the NETS scheme and over 1000 saddlery course candidates.

He has visited Saddlery businesses all over England providing technical advice, on-site recruitment, and monitoring / assessment of the training programmes.

This has placed him in a unique position to offer help, advice and guidance on matters ranging from training, qualifications, sources of supplies of materials and technical enquiries in general.

He has a comprehensive understanding of the Saddlery Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, NVQ's and General Saddlery course programmes, and has been responsible for the implementation of the new Modern Apprenticeship scheme developed by The Saddlers Company and for the continual updating of the General Saddlery courses syllabus to meet the needs of the trade.

Other Information:

For the past fifteen years Mark has been a member of the Executive Committee of The Society of Master Saddlers (He was their President from May 1999-May 2000).

He is also a member of The Saddlery Steering Group (lead body on training and related issues for the Saddlery industry sector).

He played a major role in developing National Vocational Qualifications for the Saddlery Industry during the mid nineties, in the revision and re-launch of The City & Guilds National Skill Assessment and Qualification Scheme for the Saddlery Trade, the development of The Saddlery Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme launched in 2000 and the implementation of the new Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.

Prior to this Mark was employed in the trade for a total of 14 years (including completing a four year apprenticeship) during which time he learned many aspects of Saddle, Bridle and Harness manufacture and repair, as well as general leatherwork including bag, box and case making.

Mark's Professional Qualifications include:

· Individual Qualified Master Saddler/Harness maker of The Society of Master Saddlers.

· Qualified Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate
(N.V.Q. Level 4).

· City & Guilds Licentiate.

· Accredited N.V.Q. Assessor (units D32,D33,D34,D36).

· First Aid at work Certificate

Collar Course Consultant

John McDonald
Harness/Collar Maker
Clayford,
Andrews Hill,
Dulverton,
Somerset,
TA22 9RU

John runs his own very successful business making driving harness for show, competition and general use.
John took over the running of collar making courses for the Saddlery Training Centre approximately 8 years ago.
Usually 2 one week driving collar courses and 1 one week working collar course per year.

Other Information:

· John has won many prizes for his harness and collar making in competitions run by the Society of Master Saddlers and The Worshipful Company of Coach and Coach Harness Makers.

· He has trained five apprentices, who have all taken part in the NETS scheme, the most recent completing in October 1999.

· He has been delivering the collar making courses for The Countryside Agency and now The Saddlery Training Centre for the past eight years.

Professional Qualifications include:

· Master Harness Maker of The Society of Master Saddlers.

· Qualified Carpenter and Joiner

OPEN Course Consultant - Side Saddle Refurbishment

Richard Godden
Side-Saddle Specialist
33 Lyde Road,
Yeovil,
Somerset,
BA21 5AT

Richard was apprenticed at Champion & Wilton in London under the guidance of his uncle Les Coker during the 1950's.
He is now self employed and for many years has specialised in the refurbishment of side saddles.
During his career Richard has trained several first class apprentices.

Other Information:

· Richard has been delivering the side saddle refurbishment and more recently side saddle manufacture courses for The Saddlery Training Centre and previously The Countryside Agency for just over 9 years.

· He has worked in the saddlery trade all his life and is extremely knowledgeable in the specialist area of side saddles.

· Four of the companies Richard has worked for have held the Royal Warrant.

Professional Qualifications:

· Master Saddler

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