INTRODUCTION
NASDU whilst a recognised certification body for security disciplines NASDU has developed a number of introductory programmes for non-security disciplines.
These Learning Programmes delivered by NASDU Approved Trainers and accredited by the Awarding Body HABC, aim to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding of Detection Dog Handling to allow them to proceed into potential non security employment within areas such as: the Voluntary Sector, Public Sector or Commercial Orgnisations.
It should be noted that these Introductory Learning Progammes are an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability and not that of the dog.
This vocational programme whilst not a security discipline has been developed by NASDU (as an HABC Approved Centre) in conjunction with a recognised specialist company working in the Search & Rescue sector and specialist Dog Handlers. It complements the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler and the training principals contained within BS 8517 Part 2, (in that) it is an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria.
FOR WHOM SUITABLE
This programme meets the basic requirements of those learners who may wish to work with public and private sector Search & Rescue Agencies or within the security industry working as Detection Dog Handlers.
It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police, Prison Service or Customs Officers who wish to take on a Detection Dog Handler role in the private sector.
The minimum age for vocational training as a Detection Dog Handler is 18 years old.
AWARDING BODY
HABC – The NASDU Level 3 Accredited Programme – Introduction to Working as a Detection Dog Handler is accredited by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) who are a regulated awarding organisation with OFQUAL, SQA and recognised by the SIA.
LEVEL
NASDU Level 3 (Accredited Introduction Programme)
COURSE DURATION
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 150 guided learning hours (GLH’s). Recognition of formal prior learning (RPL) is permissible and may be awarded by the Instructor/Trainer.
GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their Instructor/Trainer and not the duration of a course.
Learners with an untrained dog should expect additional hours of training time with the dog.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 Units (4 Core Units plus 1 Pathway Unit) all of which are compulsory (see Content).
PRIOR LEARNING REQUIREMENTS
All learners should have a minimum standard of Level 1 literacy in the English language, i.e., speaking, listening, reading and writing skills which should be confirmed by the Instructor/Trainer prior to commencement of training.
The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog; it is strongly recommended that learners (and their dogs) are assessed prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which any additional GLH’s or RPL may be identified.
The dog should be of an acceptable breed (as per BS 8517) and above 12 months old, possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.
Dogs previously schooled in other disciplines must be identified to the Instructor/Trainer prior to commencement of training.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Learners who within the last 5 years have been formally certificated and have proven Detection Dog Handling experience either in the private security sector or in the public sector as a Police or Prison Officer or as a Member of HM Armed Forces, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
ASSESSMENT
Course assessment shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer, the mode of assessment shall be by practical on-going assessment by question and answer sessions and by written examination(s).
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) shall be carried out by NASDU, with external accreditation of the learning provision and External Quality Support (EQS) carried out by HABC.
Quality Management System (BS EN ISO 9001) assessed by BAB.
PROGRESSION
The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of dog detection disciplines within private or voluntary sector.
CERTIFICATION
CONTENT
Unit 1 Roles and Responsibilities of a Detection Dog (10 Hours)
Unit 2 Control of a Detection Dog (10 Hours)
Unit 3 Operational Control of a Victim (Cadaver) Detection Dog (110 Hours Minimum)
Unit 4 Health, Well-being & Safety of a Detection Dog (10 Hours)
Unit 5 Management of a Detection Dog (10 Hours)
TEAM CERTIFICATION
Certification for handler and dog as a Team should be in accordance with future employers requirements (i.e., voluntary or public sector).
Note: NASDU Approved Instructors may be able to assist with future Team Assessment against employers requirements. As an “Introduction” programme no NASDU Team certification can be issued, although Trainers may issue their own “in-house” certification for a Team.
CONTINUATION TRAINING
It should be noted that the recommendation for Detection Dog CT training in BS 8517 Part 2 is monthly, which is assessed quarterly and certificated annually
APPROVED TRAINERS’ LOCATION & DATES
A full list of Approved Instructors/Trainers authorised to deliver this specific programme are listed on the NASDU website (www.nasdu.co.uk). Trainers are listed by geographical region and learners should contact their closest/most convenient Trainer direct who can give further details of location and dates. Alternatively, as most training is delivered flexible, i.e., over single days, evenings, weekends, etc., learners may wish to consider block/residential courses which can again be found on our website under Training then click on “Trainer Course Dates.”
COURSE FEES
As all training is delivered flexible and throughout most of the UK by a network of NASDU Approved Trainers course fees are negotiated between the learner and Trainer direct, the only fee coming to NASDU would be the learner’s registration and certification fee (currently £65.00).
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information can be obtained by contacting NASDU Administration Office in the first instance.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
(Certification & Membership Enquiries)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01483 224 320 (Option 1)
HEAD OFFICE
(Centre Approval Enquiries)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01483 224 320 (Option 2)
Tel 01483 224 320 (Option 2)
Email [email protected]