Purpose:

This programme is more holistic in its approach to the learning process (not just equine-related skills but also personal and social skills). It is locality-focused with closer partnerships between employers, learners and training providers, The programme is individualised (based on the strengths and needs of each learner), and is integrated between college-based theoretical learning and work-based experiential learning. It is graduated in the degree to which the transition from learner to employee is made. It is stronger in terms of recruitment and selection (e.g., assessment of history, motivation), and broader in terms of participation by hard-to-reach groups and their families. This was informed by industry and employer demands.