Accreditation of Prior Experience & Learning (APEL)
Distance Learning Instructor Course
Our APEL route recognises experienced trailing practitioners who have already built substantial practical knowledge and skill and wish to gain formal instructor accreditation and affiliation without repeating foundational learning.
This pathway is designed to maintain the integrity of our qualification while respecting prior experience, professional standards and real-world competence.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the APEL route, applicants must demonstrate:
- A minimum of two years man and/or pet trailing experience
- Introductory Call (Mandatory)
Before acceptance onto the APEL route, applicants must complete an introductory call with both co-founders.
This call is essential to:
- Ensure the APEL route is the right fit for you and for us
- Explore your experience, background and goals
- Confirm alignment with our methods, standards and values (including Code of Conduct)
Acceptance onto APEL is by approval only.
Professional Standards
All APEL candidates must:
- Agree to and sign our Code of Conduct
- Commit to working within the ethical, welfare-led framework of The Canine School of Trailing
- Represent the school professionally during and after accreditation
Learning Resources (Included)
APEL candidates receive full access to core learning materials to ensure consistency of standards, including:
- Information Book
- Educational Films
These resources ensure all instructors, regardless of entry route, are aligned in theory, language and application.
Practical Film Submissions
APEL Candidates must submit practical video evidence demonstrating competency across the following areas:
- Beginner trails
- Pet trail with junctions
- Multi Directional Start using a perimeter, adding difficulties including road crossings
In addition:
- Aged trail – virtual submission on My Maps (Google)
These submissions are assessed against the same criteria used within the full instructor programme.
Final Assessment
- Completion of the final instructor assessment is mandatory
- Assessment focuses on laying appropriate trails for different levels of teams, dog welfare, problem solving, coaching and instructional ability
APEL Fee
- APEL processing and accreditation fee: £200
This covers:
- Review of prior learning and evidence
- Assessment administration
- Verification of competency against course outcomes
Affiliation Requirement
All APEL candidates must commit to:
- One year affiliation with The Canine School of Trailing
- Affiliation fee: £150 payable in advance (this will be refunded should the candidate not meet requirements)
Total payable to commence the APEL process is £350.
Affiliation includes ongoing support, professional alignment and use of The Canine School of Trailing framework.
What do you get if you affiliate?
- You’ll receive your own trailing avatar so you’re easily recognisable as a The Canine School of Trailing Instructor.
- Business Builder document to help you add Trailing to your business (coming soon)
- Sessions plans for Puppy Sessions, General Sessions, Advanced Sessions.
- Permitted use of The Canine School of Trailing Instructor logo in your promotional materials.
- Added to the ‘Find a Trainer’ section of The Canine School of Trailing website.
- Two hours per year of one to one mentor time with one of the co-founders of The Canine School of Trailing.
- Invited to join our ongoing CPD days to keep up to date with best practice, meet other instructors and start to plan and lay more complex trails.
- Free CPD sessions via zoom (six per year minimum).
- Access to an exclusive Instructor Group where you can ask questions and get ongoing support. As part of this access, you’ll also receive all updates to the Training Information Book to help keep up to date with the latest trailing information.
- Purchase The Canine School of Trailing logbooks at a discounted price to sell on to your trailing customers.
- Referral income when your customers buy our online courses, trailing lines or join us on a Trail Retreat.
- Eligible to run The Canine School of Trailing assessments, bringing extra income into your business.