Linda Ammonn CBE and Ian stark OBE (Patron)
at the launch of SkillHORSE at Equus 2002 |
SkillHORSE
- Launched At Equus 2002
SkillHORSE
was launched at Equus 2002 and is the new national showcase
event for skills in the horse industry. The launch included
presentations by Ian Stark OBE, SkillHORSE Patron and Linda
Ammonn CBE, Chief Executive of UK Skills.
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The
aims of SkillHORSE are to promote vocational skills in the horse
industry, to recognise and celebrate the achievement of those working
in the industry and to raise standards. It will involve competitions,
displays by leading riders and "have-a-go" activities
for visitors. Ian Stark outlined the key purpose of SkillHORSE "We
hope to encourage young people to seriously consider working with
horses as a career option and not just a hobby ......... SkillHORSE
will enable young people to have a go at practical skills, meet
people working in the industry and see the excellence that can be
achieved".
Linda
Ammonn CBE described The Skills Show to be held at Salford Quays,
Manchester from 13-16 November 2002. "UK Skills are delighted
to be associated with SkillHORSE. The Skills Show will be a four-day
celebration of skills from at least seventy different industries,
featuring skills competitions and demonstrations, "have-a-go"
opportunities, workshops and master classes, careers advice and
conferences" 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the event
over the four days, the vast majority of whom will be young people
coming from schools to learn more about their future careers.
Leading
riders and key professionals with an interest in promoting the horse
industry has brought SkillHORSE together. Stubbing Court Combined
Training Group, a leading provider of Work Based Learning for young
people working with horses, initiated the competition with support
from Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council.
The
inaugural event at SkillHORSE will be held at The skills Show. Those
eligible to compete are young people on Work Based Learning programmes
supported by the Learning and Skills Council working towards NVQ
Level 3 in Horse Care and Management, or those who have achieved
NVQ Level 3 no earlier than June 2002. Nominations for SkillHORSE
are requested before 30 June with a maximum of two nominees per
provider. Assessment days will be held in October 2002 at Southern
and Northern venues. Twenty four students will be selected to compete
at The Skills Show.
The
finals of SkillHORSE at SkillCity will consist of four days of activity.
Eight students will compete per day for the first three days and
the best two each day will qualify for the final day. Examples of
activities that will be assessed include practical tasks such as
fitting tack and equipment, health care, feeding, lungeing, flatwork
and jumping. Students will also be interviewed by leading riders
on aspects of horse care and yard management.
Belinda
Turner, Chair of SkillHORSE is delighted with the support shown
so far and explained the next steps "A letter from Bryan Sanderson,
Chair of the Learning and Skills Council, has been sent to all providers
requesting their support for the venture and the forthcoming sponsorship
opportunities for the event" Organisations requiring more information
should contact Belinda Turner on 01246 566193
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