A Guide to... Shoe Fitting Courses and Staff Training 

For more information contact: The Secretary
Tel. +44 (0)1953-851171 
Email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
www.shoefitters-uk.org

The photograph's above are our most recent STUDENTS OF THE YEAR:

(1st)  June Mackenzie M.S.S.F. of John Anthony Shoes of Lincoln - 2006
(2nd)  Charlotte Duffett M.S.S.F. of Gibbs of Ely - 2007 
(3rd)  Jan Treasure M.S.S.F. of Buskins, Nailsworth, Gloucs. - 2008
(4th)  Louise Davies M.S.S.F.  of Hopscotch Shoes, Chapel Allerton - 2009

You may only become a member of the Society only if you qualify to do so.

You can either successfully complete our 5 or 10 month course - or if you are already an experienced shoe fitter, take our Entrance Examination.  

The Course: is a teaching/learning vehicle - leading to our recognized qualification via general assessment.  It is extremely useful for staff training and to obtain the necessary knowledge about feet, footwear, construction, gauges, etc. everything you need to know to fit shoes correctly.  

The Entrance Examination: is for already experienced shoe fitters, to prove they have the knowledge to become an M.S.S.F.  

Deluxe Course - We can also offer you a deluxe course which includes: one full course place, reduced price further full courses, two fitting gauges, and a personal in-store day visit to train you and your staff.   Cost upon application.

The Course

• The course is a correspondence/distance learning course, and is punctuated by three practical 'hands-on' workshop days - which you are expected to attend.
  
• You will be allocated a personal tutor who will assist you throughout.
  
• You may pursue the course over either 5 or 10 months (the content is identical for both) but the cut-off date for papers is August 31st.
  
• You will receive a folder of information, divided into 10 modules, with relevant monthly question papers.  You must complete the questions monthly and send your answers to your tutor for assessment.  You can complete more quickly if desired.  You would aim to complete one a month on the 10 month course and two per month on the 5 month course.  You may work quicker if you desire.
  
• Please note, that at no time are you put under pressure.  Learning should be enjoyable and stress-free, and we aim to assist you through to a successful conclusion.
  
• A successful conclusion to the course leads to the qualification M.S.S.F. = Member of the Society of Shoe Fitters (British Qualifications Journal / Learning & Skills Council).  Longstanding members who have worked tirelessly for the Society can become 'Fellow' members F.S.S.F. if nominated for outstanding achievement by the Society.  The qualification is retained through membership of the organization.  
  
• The most outstanding student of the year is awarded the Fisher George Memorial Trophy and receives a personal trophy to keep and a beautiful, inscribed valet box from Dasco (Dunkelman & Son).

How can I sign up?:

APPLICATION FORM.pdf  Complete this application form (a PDF you can download, or request a hard copy from the secretary), and simply forward with your payment.  A retrospective invoice will be issued crossed 'paid with thanks'.

Subject matter:

    See Syllabus below.  The subject matter progresses naturally from the anatomy of the foot to footwear construction and fitting.

Start dates:

10 month course begins:            October 1^st annually
5/8 month courses begin:           January 1^st annually 

N.B. If you are unable to start on these dates we do our best to accommodate you.

Cost:

Please note 'training' and membership fees are tax-deductable, so you need to contact your Accountant!
As we are 'not-for-profit' we aim to keep our course fees as low as possible.

£550 (no VAT as we are a 'not-for-profit' organization).  All tuition and lunches at workshops are included.

£50 GOODWILL DISCOUNT:  For multiple bookings, existing members shops and members of  IFRA.

Overseas students - price upon application.

The Workshops

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND WORKSHOPS - these are relaxed, informal days and a great chance to network!

Dates/Times 2010:

Workshop 1 - Weds. February 10th 
Workshop 2 - Weds. June 9^th  
Workshop 3 - Weds. September 15^th 

Venue:

Workshop 2 is a Factory Visit to D.B. Footwear in Rushden, Northamptonshire.  
Workshop 1 & 3 are held at the Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists in London. 
Directions to venues are in the course folder, or provided in advance.

Cost of Workshops:

Students: Free.  
Student guest rate: £50 (limited to one per student)  
Non-student delegate rate: £100.00.

COURSE PLACES IN 2008/9 WERE OVER-SUBSCRIBED.  
WE ARE TAKING BOOKINGS FOR JANUARY 1ST 2010 NOW!
DON'T BE DISAPPOINTED - RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON THE NEXT COURSE A.S.A.P.  
   

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