Training program empowers instructors to impart their knowledge and skills to others
New Greyhound Racing Course Empowers Kennelhands
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has launched a groundbreaking, nationally-accredited course aimed at kennelhands in greyhound racing. The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling is designed to equip newcomers to the industry with the practical knowledge needed for animal care within a kennel environment [1].
This bespoke course, offered at no cost to trainers, supports kennelhands by being tailored to their day-to-day roles, with learning primarily taking place at the kennels during routine tasks. It includes interactive online materials that can be accessed flexibly, outside of working hours. The course content is presented in easily digestible chunks and is directly linked to roles carried out by the kennelhand [1].
The course focuses on essential topics such as housing, feeding, hydration, routine care, health promotion, and disease prevention, reflecting the latest research and veterinary guidance. It encourages kennelhands to share new knowledge with their trainers to improve overall kennel practices [1].
The course does not have a deadline for completion, but it is expected to be completed within 12 months. There are no formal exams or written assignments, instead using self-assessment quizzes and practical assessments in the kennel setting [1].
Upon successful completion of the course, kennelhands will receive the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate, a widely-recognized, transferable qualification within the animal care sector. The course is open to GBGB-licensed kennelhands who have been employed for at least 12 weeks [1].
This initiative aims to help kennelhands gain the necessary skills to meet increasingly high welfare standards in greyhound racing, while also securing a professional future within the sport [1]. It also provides a fantastic opportunity for trainers to upskill their staff at no cost.
Meriel France, the GBGB learning and development manager, is available to support participants throughout the course [1]. New techniques and care introduced by kennelhands can enhance overall kennel practices, making this investment in their skills and capabilities all the more important [1].
Veterinary expertise and guidance is continually evolving, and kennelhands are encouraged to share their learning in this area with trainers [1]. This collaborative approach ensures that the highest standards of care are maintained, and that the future of greyhound racing is in capable hands.
[1] Information obtained from provided bullet points.
- The new Greyhound Racing Course, designed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, offers kennelhands the chance to gain a City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate, which could be beneficial for their personal growth and career development in the animal care sector.
- This course, focused on education-and-self-development, empowers kennelhands by providing them with skills-training in areas like animal health, feeding, hydration, and disease prevention, enhancing their ability to contribute to the sports and career-development of greyhound racing.
- By completing the course, which includes interactive online materials and practical assessments in the kennel setting, kennelhands can improve their knowledge and contribute to overall kennel practices, ensuring the highest standards of care for greyhounds and their future in the sport through personal-growth and learning.
