PDA Competition Horse Care SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards.

This qualification covers areas such as lungeing and caring for and preparing horses for competition.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers, and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

The PDA in Competition Horse Care at SCQF level 7 has developed in partnership with employers and industry to ensure that it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers to meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain the knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The target audience are those in work or seeking employment who require a specific skill set.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Learners do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter this PDA.

Good communication skills — both oral and written — are required. Current experience as a stable hand within an equine setting would be advantageous.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to other PDAs, which could perhaps lead to a full HNC/D qualification in Equine Studies or SVQ in Horse Care at SCQF level 7 or 8.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
 

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Group award code: GP2W 47 (24 SCQF credit points)

Structure

The PDA in Competition Horse Care at SCQF level 7 consists of 2 mandatory units and a further unit required from the Optional Section (24 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF level 7 are required in total).