BHS qualifications...

D

dangermouse64

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 October 2009
Messages
50
Visit site
Just wondering if anyone has any really?

I left school with just my GCSE's and I've always thought life's fine without qualifications but now my mind is being swayed. I've scoured the BHS site and think I'd like to achieve the stable managers certificate, however they're all alot of money especially if I don't pass.

Are they worth it?

Any replies greatly recieved.x
 
Im not sure on the BHS qualifications but if you wanted to persue a career in horses perhaps you could consider a 'horsey/agricultural' college. these are good becuase they have courses for all abilities and interests & once you are there it opens your eyes to what other routes you could go down. for example doing a national diploma in equine management (horse care and riding) can lead on to degrees in equine biology, stud & breeding, equine science, equine nutrition, yard management (?) and the further you go into a course the more doors open. You also get a broader picture of what jobs you could within the industy which you never thought even exsisted!

I studied an ANC (a-level) in Equine management and was going to persue a degree in breeding, stud & youngstock but my situation changed. i had the best time there & made loads of great friends all with the same interest, this was possibly one of the best years of my life!

If you do consider this you will need to start looking now for the new term as with any college things take a while to get going.

I would strongly recommend this if you could be without a full time job for a while!
smile.gif
 
It's the same with any job these days, experience is more important. However having the qualifications can back you up.

I have BHS Stage 1 & 2 and my PT but I haven't really used them as I went to Uni to get a degree so I could get a good job and pay for my hobby. However having obtained a degree in marketing, i'm stuck in sales as employers are screaming out for people with experience. I know once I have a degree and experience the degree will be worthwhile, but right now.... it doesn't seem worth it!

With BHS qualifications, I did my stages and PT just as an "incase" such as falling off and breaking my back and not being able to ride etc... I'm looking to do my stage 3 so I get my AI and can go back to teaching at the weekends if I want to.

I'd say they are worth it, but experience is vitally as important as well.
 
I tried the agricultural college around here when I was 16, they got me a work placement but I didn't like the atmosphere at the college itself and now can't really afford to go part-time.

Like you Trussardi I'd like them as a back-up if anything went drastically wrong and I'd also like to teach at weekends or evenings to bring in some extra pennies, looking to buy my own gg next year and extra pennies always help with unexpected things.

I've got 12 years riding experience and around 10 years yard experience from riding schools to studs and hunt yards, I've backed and brought on in the past but it's all my word, there's nothing on paper for people to have proof I'm capable (I might not be but I'd like to think I am lol)

How difficult are they to pass? Is it mainly common sense or are there particular ways of doing things?

Thank you for the replies so far.xx
 
Good for you for getting a back up! Before I went to Uni I wanted to work full time with horses, and had 10 years experience with nothing on paper as it was cash in hand. However I managed to work for a riding school where they paid for my qualifications and all tuition was free as well.

I would suggest working for a BHS accredited yard, and get the correct training, because even though you think BHS qualifications are common sense, they do have a "BHS" way of doing things and as a pupil you should get training and exams paid for. That's IF you wanted to work with horses! If not, then definitely get trained by a centre who holds the exams so at least you'll get trained the correct way, rather than at other yards where things aren't done the "BHS" way you might have problems.

That sounds like i'm being nasty about BHS, but i'm not, I just know for exams that they do things a certain way!
blush.gif
 
Thank you sooo much, I just need to look for a yard now, can't really work full time on a yard as I'm settled in my job (work for family and fought so hard to stay open I've grown attatched to the place, don't tell my younger me I'm happy working in the motor trade though lol)

All excited now, feel like I'm finally starting to move forward. Thank you again.x
 
There are a lot of yards that will train you up whilst working. If you don't mind going away my friend went to South medburn farm to train and now she is the assistant yard manager. They are quite often looking for people wanting to train so i hear and you can live in. Hope that helps.
 
I am not sure how old you are, but if you are still young enough it might be worth giving the Pony Club a try.

The B test gives you Stage 2 and the A Test Stage 4, its a lot cheaper to take them than the BHS ones are.

Like other perople I did my Stage 2 as a 'back up' option, if I needed it I could go and do my Stage 3 and PTT, but fortunately I haven't as yet (touch wood).
 
Can't really move away, have to work full time and I've never looked into the pony club, at 21 I might be a bit too old.

Thanks for the thoughts though.x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top