The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (Oata) is lowering fees for its City & Guilds training programmes so that businesses can offer training to their furloughed staff.
“We already offer a discount to OATA member businesses and this additional 20% drop in fees on full programmes will be available to all businesses until the end of June,” OATA’s chief executive Dominic Whitmee.
“Hopefully it will help businesses offer a way to motivate staff during this lockdown, particularly if they are furloughed at home, and improve their skills in readiness for their return to work.
“Advice from government says furloughed staff should be encouraged to undertake training and this should not affect their eligibility to be paid while they do it, subject to certain conditions. And our programmes will help businesses comply with their pet shop/animal activities licensing requirements as well.”
The Foundation and Advanced Training programmes can be studied at home. They are delivered online using a computer, tablet or smart phone via an eLearning platform, at a pace to suit the student.
Both courses consist of four modules covering water quality, filtration, fish biology and fish health. The Foundation Programme offers an excellent introduction to the key concepts of fish-keeping for beginners while the Advanced Programme is a more detailed and comprehensive course for people with previous experience. Once completed successfully, students will have a City & Guilds accredited training programme certificate.
The discounted fees are:
Advanced Training Programme (OATA members) now £208 (was £260, saving £52)
Advanced Training Programme (Non Members) now £356 (was £445, saving £89)
Foundation Training Programme (OATA members) now £112 (was £140, saving £28)
Foundation Training Programme (Non members) now £124 (was £155, saving £31)
Find out more about the courses at https://ornamentalfish.org/training/
