fta news
Improving
communications
‘Sefton House News’ will now form part of
Forge magazine. Here, Peter Ablett, Chief Executive of
the Farriery Training Agency, tells us why.
The FTA is improving The role of a Farriery Training Agency
communications learning support coordinator field officer conference
‘We want to communicate FTA news Of the 450 apprentices currently on the FTA
2009
and information as effectively and as apprenticeship programme, 32 per cent have additional
professionally as possible. As Forge is sent learning needs. The FTA supports the learning and
Following a successful conference for FTA field
to all registered farriers and apprentices, we development of these apprentices through two learning
officers in 2008, it was decided to make this an
shall “speak” to a much wider audience and support coordinators – Janet Kitto and Sue Charters
annual event, and the second event was held in
I very much hope that this will bring about – whose help is appreciated by apprentices and ATFs.
June at Sacrewell Farm, near Peterborough.
greater understanding and the sharing of Here, Sue describes her role.
To make the meeting as valuable as possible,
best practice’, Peter said.
“Although I have been in post for over a year now, I still
FTA college administrators and learning support
think of myself as the new learning support coordinator.
coordinators also came along and this enabled all
My area is the South East and the north, the rest of the
those involved in reviewing/visiting apprentices and
country is covered by Janet Kitto.
their approved training farriers to share areas of
best practice, thereby increasing communication
“Modern apprenticeships provide a wonderful opportunity
between all parties.
to gain experience and qualifications in the work place.
Many highly successful people start out on this route
The conference was held over a two days and
frequently called the ‘university of life’. Stakeholders that
covered various topics and briefings, including:
have a part to play in the apprenticeship are the ATFs,
Interview technique, and ‘making conversation
the colleges, the FTA, and, under the FTA ‘umbrella’, the
work’; Health and safety ; The review of the
field officers and myself.
National Occupational Standards; An update on
employment relations
“The purpose of my visiting apprentices is to make sure
they are on target for their next college attendance with
The feedback shows that the event is worthwhile,
regard to the theory portion of the course. Checking
providing useful information for the field officers
practical skills is the role of experienced field officers.
when they are carrying out visits in order to best
assist and support apprentices and ATFs.
“I will help in any way I can to ensure apprentices have
the right materials for their particular needs, and that they
The FTA reminds apprentices and ATFs that
stay on target with the training programme; it does no
the field officers and FTA staff are there to help;
one any good to be back-blocked.
if there is anything that they would like to see
addressed they should contact their individual field
‘I am delighted that the
Sometimes I need to teach, sometimes to explain,
officer or the FTA, telephone 01733 319770.
sometimes to congratulate (I enjoy that bit), and
FTA Management Board
sometimes to nag, if I think they are slipping (I hate that
has decided that Sefton
bit).
House News will become
“My role is to help you achieve your
The Farriery Training Agency
an integral part of Forge,
goal – the diploma. This is achieved
Sefton House
through discussion, suggestions, goal
Adam Court
and I am even more
setting, action planning, and overcoming
Newark Road
pleased that NAFBAE obstacles together. I am just one of the
Peterborough
colleagues have welcomed
links that FTA has put into place, along
PE1 5PP
the move’
with the field officers to smooth that Tel: 01733 319770
process.”
Local Rate: 0845 1188387
Fax: 01733 319771
Peter Ablett, Chief Executive,
Farrier Training Agency. Sue Charters, Learning Support Coordinator
Forge | October 2009 33
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