“We are investing time and energy now to ensure they will be there in the future with the most up-to-date qualifications and knowledge demanded by today’s private and public employers,” said Ian Wellby, the institute’s head of training.
He continued, “The IFM is proud of its training which for more than 30 years has started many students on their first steps into the industry.”
To meet the need new courses for school-leavers or older people seeking to switch careers two courses are launched this week: a one-year certificate and a two-year degree level diploma recognised by the Open University.
Both are correspondence courses led by expert tutors from the IFM which will also assign a mentor to each diploma student to help with problems and questions. Students will be able to stay in touch with each other through social and professional media.
Certificate students are assessed by open book examinations and diploma students by a combination of assignments and open book examinations.
Students may register for the new courses at www.ifm.org.uk The certificate course covers water quality, fish biology, culture and husbandry, fisheries maintenance, monitoring and improvements, angling and recreation and law and enforcement.
The two-year diploma course covers studies in water quality and biology, disease and husbandry, environmental management, law and administration, recreation and amenities and includes two weekend field courses.
