qualifications

U

use a name

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 November 2010
Messages
120
Visit site
Hi,im new on here.Im just wondering if anyone has much experience on NVQ and BHS qualifications.Has anyone fully completed their NVQ's and if so could you tell me what you learn and is it a worth while qualification.Im a bit stuck as im not sure if their worth doing because it seems anyone can get them,unlike the BHS exams(which you also have to pay for!and i cant).And how long does it take to complete them.Or,do you think you would have any luck getting a job in a yard i.e ,c.bleekman without any ''written'' qualifications as a working pupil?And also if anyone has any experience in working in similar yards,what is the whole work routine like?Thanks in advance
 
I don't have any experience with NVQ's, but I do have a ND at distinction level, and BHS 1,2,3,4 care so far.
Personally BHS qualifications are more valued in the industry. Saying that employers aren't often looking for written qualifications and pieces of paper but practical experience, willingness to learn and a good attitude will get you far.
Also alot of employers will put you through BHS qualifications and pay for it too, especially if you go for the working student approach, but beware because the hours are often long and you will get paid peanuts (maybe even literally!).
Good luck :)
 
I'm a BHSII(SM) - which has been handy from a teaching point of view, but I think it depends very much on what you want to do. Before I did my BHS exams, I worked for William Fox Pitt and his mother, and they were more interested in my practical skills and my ability to cope with a very different sort of horse. I've found some top level competition riders can be a bit anti people who have gone down the BHS route as there is a preconception that they only know the "BHS" way, and will not be flexible enough to handle the unique demands of working with hig level competition horses.
I did the BHS exams because I wanted to train on the continent, and they are far more impressed by formal qualifications.
No experience of the NVQ I'm afraid.
 
I've got my NVQ 2 and 3. I did BHS stage one but I didnt like the exam (yes I did pass ;) ) - I wasnt really bothered abt quals as I dont work with horses but my instructor said it would give me something to do in the evenings so I agreed to do it. I enjoyed them and now I'm thinking about working wth horses again (yes, I'm quite mad :p ) Im finding them useful as NVQ 3 = yard manager level whereas before I was just a groom (tho I was a lot younger).

I think the BHS and NVQs are much the same, the only difference is with the NVQs you learn on the job so to speak. I know people who have done both and are usless so neither are a statement of abilty lol :)
 
Thanks very much all!! sounds more like it would be better just to go and work in a yard and possibly do the BHS later on.Or not,either way.Sorry to be a pest,but can you tell me what the whole work routine is like?one thing is i wouldnt want to move away from home just yet!Thanks very much :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top