Local people have been asked to consider becoming apprentice mobility instructors for guide dogs.
The role will involve taking trainee dogs through the final stages of training and then matching and training them with blind or partially sighted people.
The instructors spend 10 to 12 weeks preparing up to three dogs to a required standard and
will then match each dog to a specific client. They work with the client and dog every day for up to four-weeks, providing instruction and support to the new partnership and then provide ongoing 'aftercare' once or twice a year to the client for the duration of the guide dog's working life.
The apprenticeship is a three-year course. The first two years will be spent based partly at Guide Dogs' Dog Training School in Forfar, Scotland and partly at the charity's Training and Development Department in Leamington, England. The third and final year of the course will be spent in Northern Ireland and following successful qualification the new GDMI will join the charity's Belfast District Team on a full time basis.
Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship with Guide Dogs, or requiring further information, should visit the charity's website
www.guidedogs.org.ukClosing date for receipt of applications is January 16, 2009 at 5.00pm.
