GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE)
4 years
Become a qualified farrier with this 4-year apprenticeship program that teaches equine hoof care, shoeing techniques, and farriery skills. Perfect for those passionate about horses and seeking a hands-on career in the equine industry.
Applicants must be over 15 years of age at the time of course commencement. You must complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure required literacy and numeracy levels are met, and undertake a Pre-training Review interview. This qualification is only delivered to apprentices, so prospective students must apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying. Physical fitness, stamina, and agility are essential as the role involves handling large animals. It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus.
The course comprises 21 core units covering practical farriery skills and theoretical knowledge. Core units include: performing welding tasks using a forge, making standard shoes for a range of equines, trimming equine hooves, routine welding techniques, hand and power tool use and maintenance, tool repair and manufacture, safe equine handling, equine musculoskeletal system and biomechanics, fitting shoes to alleviate abnormalities and defects, special needs farriery techniques, day-to-day equine service operations, farriery industry practices, emergency response and equine first aid, hoof care and protection planning, and shoe selection and fitting. Additional units cover financial record maintenance, micro business finance, regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and first aid certification.
GOTAFE is a leading regional training provider in Victoria with extensive experience in vocational education and apprenticeships. The institution offers comprehensive support services, flexible payment options, and a blended delivery model that combines on-campus practical training with workplace learning. GOTAFE's commitment to student success is demonstrated through dedicated learning support, disability services, counselling, and career guidance. The provider's strong industry connections and placement opportunities ensure students gain real-world experience in authentic equine industry settings.
Graduates are qualified to work as professional farriers in diverse equine industry settings including stables, equestrian centres, stud farms, breeding operations, racing stables, veterinary practices, and equine hospitals. Farriers assess hoof health and conformation, plan and carry out corrective and therapeutic shoeing in consultation with horse owners and veterinarians, select and apply appropriate horseshoes, and work safely and independently while adhering to biosecurity and animal welfare standards. This qualification supports a specialised and sustainable career in the equine industry with growing demand for qualified hoof care professionals across Australia. Further study opportunities include Certificate III in Equine Studies and Certificate III in Horse Breeding.
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