1. Welcome to Equine!

2. Employer engagement Methodology Questionnaire split into 4 main sections: –Course content suitability –Work Experience –Employee Professional Development –General Employer sent overview of course content and set of questions Initial email to gage interest Questionnaire and supporting information either sent via email or post

3. BSc Equine Science and Thoroughbred Management Kirtlington Stud, Kidlington, Oxfordshire Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Newmarket Weatherbys, Northants Coolmore Australia, Australia Tweenhills Stud, Gloucestershire, Andrew Balding, Newbury Newbury Racecourse, Newbury Coombelands Racing Stables, West Sussex

4. Summary of feedback for BSc EQT Course content suitability Worthwhile degree which has a good balance of content. Content suggested for inclusion is –Administration/Business development, –Bloodstock/Sales, Riding/race riding module. –Industry specific health & safety courses, first aid, risk assessments etc Degree could be more goal specific Talks from industry specialists highlighted vital Work experience Handbook preferred Contact with one person but not necessarily regular

5. Summary of feedback for BSc EQT Employee Professional Development Modules that were highlighted as potential CPD for those employers that do offer it are: Equestrian Land Management Nutrition Equine Bioscience Equine Anatomy and Physiology Equestrian Events management

6. BSc Equine Science Polar Equine, Warwick Quainton Stud, Bucks British Equestrian Federation, Warwickshire Smith and Williamson, Wiltshire British Eventing (Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials), Woodstock Kathryn Kirby, The Setters Physiotherapy Practice, Long Hanborough Barbury Castle International Horse Trials, Wiltshire

7. Summary of feedback for BSc EQS Course content suitability Broad base of modules Modules were not specific enough to give the learners a clear idea of progression into industry. Areas suggested for inclusion were –Economics of the equine industry and future post 2012 –Marketing equine facilities –Running a business Work experience Handbook preferred by the majority of employers Point of contact important but regular contact not expected

8. Summary of feedback for BSc EQS Employee Professional Development Those that can offer CPD were interested in –Preventative medicine and veterinary techniques –Equine endocrine and reproductive physiology –International stud management –Equine industry module.

9. FdSc Equine Science and Management Old Manor House Riding School, Oxford Hook Norton Veterinary Practice, Banbury, Blue Cross, Burford Hartsop Farm, Finstock Quainton Equestrian Centre, Nr Aylesbury

10. Summary of feedback for FdSc ESM Course Content suitability Good variety of modules for progressing into a wide range of jobs. The learning and professional skills module highlighted as being of particular relevance. Areas for inclusion were: –Dissections –Manual Handling Work experience Handbook is required Regular contact with one specific person preferred

11. Summary of feedback for FdSc ESM Employee Professional Development Modules that would be of interest to some employers to offer as CPD are: –Animal behaviour –Equine nutrition –Equine health management –Breeding and stud management –Equine fittening and training –Introduction to business –Advanced husbandry management –Equine Sports Injury and Therapy –Learning and Professional Skills –Introductory Biology Preferred format for the course was not unanimous

12. Summary of feedback for all courses General Only 1 employer had seen an advertisement on a bus. Positive about the value that the courses added to learners going out into industry. Importance of linking theory and practice which is not always evident from the course/module descriptions. More information on the stand alone modules requested. Short courses such as manual handling, spraying certificates, safe use of vet medications, dissections are suggested. Seminars, demonstrations and stand alone training days would be attractive.

13. Action Plan - strengths Regular updates of modules included. Maintain learning outcomes expressing need for link between theory and practice. Maintain scenario based assessments. Maintain regular contact with current industry links Maintain student evaluation of guest speakers and trips and act on the feedback

14. Action Plan – areas for improvement CPD OBU already contacted for costs of modules Modules descriptors to be published and sent out to all employers who expressed interest and further industry contacts Work Experience Write handbook for EQT and ESM One point of contact for all employers taking on work experience students

15. Action Plan – areas for improvement Future employer engagement Employers feedback on currency of module content at regular intervals - Course team suggest at least every 2 years Format to be forum based or face to face interviews so that communication is two way Seminars and short courses Investigate possibility of holding seminars Cost one day courses in manual handling, spraying, safe working in the equine industry. Investigate offering these to all students as additional qualifications that the students would fund

16. Conclusion