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Certificate IV in Farriery

ACM40818

Study Mode

Block Release On Campus

Certificate IV in Farriery - ACM40818

Course Overview

Interested in becoming a farrier? You'll be a shoe-in after studying Certificate IV in Farriery. This qualification provides a trade outcome in farriery, where farriers are employed to provide equine hoof care and shoeing services.

Students undertaking this course will learn theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and pathologies, and the ability to apply knowledge to technical solutions for a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Participants will also graduate with the ability to interpret and accurately communicate information to owners/carers and veterinarians concerning equine hoof and shoe care, and related health issues in a variety of circumstances.

This course is delivered to apprentices only via blended learning.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

This course will enable graduates to care for equine hoofs and shoeing in a range of equine areas including on horse studs and for general horse owners.

Farriers are generally self-employed, working autonomously and taking responsibility for their functions across varied contexts.

Further study

After graduating, students might like to continue with their studies by undertaking:

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.

Apprentices - Open From: 29-Mar-2024 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 8.30am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus

Apprentices - Open From: 29-Jun-2024 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 8.30am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus

Apprentices - Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 8.30am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 21 core units.

  • ACMFAR305 Perform welding tasks using a forge
  • ACMFAR307 Make standard shoes for a range of equines
  • ACMFAR313 Trim equine hooves
  • ACMFAR314 Perform routine welding techniques for farriery activities
  • ACMFAR315 Use and maintain hand and power tools for farriery or hoof care activities
  • ACMFAR318 Repair and manufacture hand tools used in farriery
  • ACMFAR319 Handle equines safely during farriery or hoof care services
  • ACMFAR401 Apply knowledge of equine musculoskeletal system, biomechanics and pathology for effective hoof care
  • ACMFAR402 Fit shoes to alleviate moderate abnormalities and defects in equines
  • ACMFAR403 Fit shoes to alleviate severe abnormalities and defects in equines
  • ACMFAR404 Use farriery techniques to meet special needs of equines
  • ACMFAR405 Coordinate day-to-day equine service operations
  • ACMFAR406 Work effectively in the farriery industry
  • ACMFAR407 Respond to emergencies and apply first aid to equines
  • ACMFAR408 Determine hoof care and hoof protection plans for equines
  • ACMFAR409 Select and fit shoes for normal healthy equines
  • BSBFIA301 Maintain financial records
  • BSBSMB303 Organise finances for the micro business
  • BSBSMB305 Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business
  • BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Attendance & commitment

Apprenticeship blended delivery | 4 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend GOTAFE campus for 8 weeks per year (Wednesday-Friday each week from 8:30am - 4:30pm) for Years 1 to 3 as outlined in their study plans.
  • Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

  • Knowledge questions
  • Observations
  • Written tasks
  • Simulated demonstrations

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants:

  • Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB)an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
  • Undertake a Pre-training review interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
  • Be over 15 years of age at the time the course commences.
  • All apprentices must attend an induction, face to face, via Zoom/Teams or phone
  • Prospective apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.

Industry requirements

  • Working in this industry may involve working weekends.
  • It involves handling large animals which requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
  • It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus.

Technical requirements

Students must have:

  • A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
  • Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

  • Aspirations/career goals
  • Educational attainment and capability
  • Literacy and numeracy skills
  • Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

  • Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

1. Subsidised Apprentice
$10,938.00
2. Subsidised Apprentice (Concession)
$2,188.00
3. Full Fee
$28,962.00
Course Materials
$1,492.00
Student Services Fees (per year)
$100.00

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.

Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:

  • are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2024 and may change without notice.
  • will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.

Course Fees consist of 3 different components:

  1. Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
    1. an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
    2. an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
    3. ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
  2. Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
  3. Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.

Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.

Nationally Recognised Training

This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

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