Apprenticeships

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Morning all,

Can anyone comment on the value of an apprenticeship over having a mentor(s), time commitment needed for one, and any that may be local to me (Hampshire)..

Ta muchly

Tim

[StormRider]

There is no legally recognised apprenticeship in the UK at the moment. However, I would consider that a good long time spent with a very capable mentor prior to getting a bird, is equivalent to a good form of apprenticeship. There are a number of centres and individuals around the Uk who offer taster days and falconry courses that will give you an insight into the basics of raptor ownership and care. These type of courses do not give you enough to actually own any bird but allow you to decide if you wish to take any desires further. One of the best I know of are the courses that are offered by Yarak Falconry. He is a member on this forum.
The closest thing we have at the moment that may eventually lead to some sort of legal qualification in the future is the new beginning falconry course and exam that has just been developed by Lantra. At present there is an escellent 20 week (1 night a week) course being offered by Chris Miller near to Nottingham somewhere via an established college. If you give Lantra a call they will provide you with all the details.
Chris is a good lad and he knows his stuff.
I hope this helps for the time being.
STU

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Excellent, many thanks for your help Stu

Tim

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Found this site whichis exactly what I am looking for, but alas, Hampshire to Cheshire once a week is probably a little to much.. Ive sent Lander a mail for details on the course they run, so thats for the info... Anyone else know of courses like this in the south.

http://www.broadwings.co.uk/raptorcourse.html

Thanks

Tim

[Saker-Clive]

Huxley's do an 'Insight Day', which does exactly that......give people an insight of what to expect if they were to take up the sport. It also goes through a great deal considering it is only a day.
You'll learn the falconers knot, (but I can show you how to do that when I see you next:yawinkle: ), general husbandry, aviery design and size, handling birds, flying the birds, telemetry, equipment making etc. here's their web. site.....................

http://www.flyingfalcons.co.uk/

[RabbitHawker]

Get in touch, I'm only in Farnborough.
Chris

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Thanks guys, pms sent as needed ;-)