How is the training delivered?

The training takes the form of one week modules spread over approximately three years. Sessions are held at The Saddlery Training Centre. The training is delivered in small groups with normally a maximum of six trainees. Apprentices will be required to undertake some course work at their place of work in between modules. This will normally be in prior agreement with the employer.

WHAT IS A MODERN APPRENTICESHIP IN SADDLERY?

There are two parts to the Modern Apprenticeship a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) or an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA). These are training programmes that have been designed specifically for young people who wish to achieve national recognition for their chosen vocational practical competency.

The F.M.A framework will include:

• NVQ level 2 in Leathergoods (Assessed in a saddlery context)
• Key Skills:
  o Communications level 1
  o Application of Number level 1
• Technical Certificate to include either C & G Level 2 Saddle Making
  or C & G Level 2 Bridle Making
  or C & G Level 2 Harness Making
  and Employment Rights and Responsibilities
  and Emergency First Aid

Once the FMA has been achieved it is possible to develop knowledge and skills further by progressing to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, in this case.

The A.M.A framework will include:

• NVQ level 3 in Footwear and Leather Products Manufacture
  (Assessed in a saddlery context)
• Key Skills:
  o Communications level 2
  o Application of Number level 2
• Technical Certificate to include either C & G Level 3 Saddle Making
  or C & G Level 3 Bridle Making
  or C & G Level 3 Harness Making

Note (Candidates must have already achieved the Level 2 Technical Certificate in their chosen discipline. E.g. in order to complete the C & G Level 3 in Saddle Making they would need to have first achieved Level 2 in Saddle Making)
and Employment Rights and Responsibilities
and Emergency First Aid

What is a Technical Certificate?

A Technical Certificate is a nationally accredited qualification that provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the NVQ within the Modern Apprenticeship. In this case the City & Guilds Saddlery Skill Assessment Scheme at intermediate and Advanced Levels is the Technical certificate.

What are Key Skills and why do candidates have to do them?

Key Skills are skills that we use as part of our daily lives and candidates will need these to do their work, complete their training programme and live their life effectively! GCSE results may determine what aspects and levels of the Key Skills they are required to complete. Key Skills Assessor's will be able to advise them.

Modern Apprenticeship Syllabus

TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

Who will be responsible for delivering the training?

The main responsibility for a candidates training lies with the employer/trainer. He/she will plan, in conjunction with The Saddlery Training Centre, the Individual Training Plan which will take into account any knowledge/experience candidates already have in both the Saddlery and Key Skills elements. The training will consist of theoretical and practical sessions that will develop knowledge and practical skills to the required standard. Once accepted onto the scheme candidates will be expected to attend weekly training module's at The Saddlery Training Centre approximately every two months. The course will last approximately 12 months for the FMA and 24 months for the AMA.

Who will be responsible for assessing the work?

Mark Romain from The Saddlery Training Centre. Mark is occupationally competent and has received special training to gain Assessor status. As the Assessor he will prepare candidates Action Plans, Assessment Plans and will arrange suitable times to assess candidates either at The Saddlery Training Centre or at their own workshop as they carry out their daily tasks; he will also mark projects and assess any evidence candidates have gathered in their portfolios.
In most cases Mark will also be the Key Skills Assessor, however in some cases candidates will be allocated a different Key Skills Assessor. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that candidates Key Skills evidence is gathered as a naturally occurring part of their work by setting related projects, marking them and supporting candidates in any way that is necessary for them to achieve the required standard.

Who ensures that standards are maintained?

An Internal Verifier (IV) visits candidates at least twice a year, this will normally happen during their training week. This will ensure that the Assessor is maintaining the quality of assessment required by the awarding body, the IV also verifies candidates portfolio's on completion. They will also be occupationally competent and have achieved Internal Verifier status.

Who else is involved?

An External Verifier (EV) is appointed by the Awarding Body (City & Guilds) to ensure that all assessments undertaken with The Saddlery Training Centre are fair, valid, and consistent, and meet the national standard. An EV may visit candidates at The Saddlery Training Centre to observe an assessment and to examine portfolio evidence.

How will progress be monitored?

At approximately 8 week intervals a Review will be carried out. This will have input from the Candidate, Trainer, and Assessor and will include questions on: aspects of training covered; units/elements assessed; progress on portfolio; Health & Safety; EO Issues; personal effectiveness in areas such as reliability, time keeping, co-operation and general retention issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What are the candidate's responsibilities?

First and foremost candidates should show:

COMMITMENT TO THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME AND TO THEIR WORK

When candidates join a Modern Apprenticeship programme they are required to sign a Modern Apprenticeship Learning Agreement. This outlines the responsibilities of candidates and their employer's and is considered a contractual agreement.

A brief synopsis is as follows:

Candidates work for their employer and therefore must.

• Observe their terms and conditions of employment (including hours of attendance, holidays, illness and absence, wages etc)
• Follow company procedures
• Behave in a responsible manner and promote the best interests of the company

They are also required to show COMMITMENT in both their work and training:

• Attend training courses as agreed as part of their training programme
• Complete Action Plans that they have been given by their Assessor on time
• Collect evidence to include in their portfolio

WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED IN THE MODERN APPRENTICESHIP?

• The Saddlery Training Centre Ltd is responsible for recruitment, delivery of the training programme, assessment and all administration procedures with the employer and apprentice.
• Haddon Training Ltd works in partnership with The Saddlery Training Centre Ltd in an advisory capacity and link with Wiltshire Learning & Skills Council.
• Wiltshire Learning & Skills Council provides funding for the scheme and ensures the quality assurance of delivery through Audit and OFSTED inspection.
• The Worshipful Company of Saddlers and City & Guilds of London are the joint awarding bodies for the qualification
• LANTRA is the sector skills council and they have chaired the group responsible for developing the qualification. The Worshipful Company of Saddlers have represented the saddlery trade in the development of this qualification.

How to apply

Contact:
Mark Romain,
The Saddlery Training Centre Ltd
14-17 The Malverns
Cherry Orchard Lane
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP2 7JG

Tel: 01722 - 341144
Fax: 01722 - 349669

E-mail: info@saddlerytraining.com