BHS careers conference inspires students to become industry ready
Leading Assessors of the British Horse Society (BHS) have delivered an inspirational conference to Reaseheath College equine students, promoting the benefits of achieving additional BHS qualifications alongside their college studies.
During the full day conference, held at our Equestrian Centre, students learned about the BHS qualifications available to them and how achieving these would help develop their careers in the equine industry.
The event was led by FBHS Equestrian Performance Coach and BHS lead assessor Sam York, who providing an overview of the stages of qualifications within the BHS Coaching Pathway, and by BHS Career Transition Fund Manager Charis Howard, who described the significant financial assistance within the Career Transition Fund available to those wishing to access BHS qualifications.
The students were joined by BHS Accredited Professional Coaches from a wide area, who gained CPD points for their attendance, and by interested members of the public.
Sam York, who has achieved all BHS stages and is one of only 60 Fellows of the BHS worldwide, gave a motivational description of what is required to pass each level and how gaining the additional qualifications resulted in her securing a hugely successful international coaching career. She also led practical demonstrations, both ridden and jumping, featuring Reaseheath students and horses.
Sam said: “The equine industry is facing a shortfall of educated and qualified employees. Riding schools are being forced to close because they can’t find suitably qualified staff. We want to inspire young people like these at Reaseheath to gain as many relevant qualifications as possible so they are ready to take advantage of the wonderful career opportunities on offer.”
Charis commented: “We want to encourage students to make the most of their time at college by taking advantage of the funding available to them. The combination of college and BHS qualifications will help them to be as employable as possible when they enter the industry.
“The conference has gone really well. It has been well organised, well attended and the audience has been very attentive.”
Reaseheath College’s Equine Curriculum Manager James Rayner, who holds his own BHS coaching qualifications, said: “Both Reaseheath and the BHS recognise there is a significant skills shortage within the equine industry and we are working together to raise awareness of the importance of gaining industry qualifications alongside their academic learning to meet this skills need.
“Reaseheath students can boost their employability prospects by working towards and achieving BHS qualifications while at college through our immersive and robust curriculum and the additional opportunities that are available to them.”
Learn more about Reaseheath’s equine courses: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/equine
Learn more about BHS professional qualifications:
www.bhs.org.uk/careers-recreational-awards/professional-qualifications
