Book Now For Society of Shoe Fitters Course Starting On October 1st

Published: 16 September, 2011

The next Society of Shoe Fitters course starts on October 1st and they are taking bookings now. 'We have an exciting year ahead' says Laura West, the Secretary, as the Student of the Year will be Awarded in February at the new Awards Dinner which is shaping up to be an amazing event, and we have two new 5 month courses starting March 2st and September 1st straight after MODA'.

On top of that the SSF are in the last stages of creating a course for Podiatrists, giving them much more industry knowledge AND students and members will be able to buy the new Infant fitting gauge. 'Supporting our members and Associate members is the most important thing for our organisation, so we are always looking at ways we can do this. Members will shortly receive two showcards aimed at the public regarding their service and fitting as well as increased web support, so their small annual membership fee (less than £1 a week) is exceptional value.

This non-commercial trade body has assisted both the public and industry for 52 years, and in lots of ways, so it is commendable their help is never limited although their finances are. 'They say what goes round comes around' says Laura 'and it's true! By helping the SSF (booking courses or becoming an Associate member), not only helps you and your company personally, but also assists hundreds of others at the same time.'

'Why don't more staff qualify as members?' Cheryl Taylor, Footwear Today Editor asked Laura. 'Good question' she replies. 'There are some good shop staff providing a fitting service that do not bother to qualify - which is a bit like golfers or sailors - if they had taken lessons they would be great golfers and sailors, and those who really know their stuff don't need our course, they can always take our Entrance Examination - so it has to be complacence with many. Now that the public are being given what they perceive to be 'lessons in fitting' from certain websites, they think they know how to fit and will argue with staff about the fit of their children's shoes, and this has encouraged far more not to bother to go into proper 'shoe shops' because they think they know it all, so buy self-service/online.

"But a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and without doubt some children are suffering because of it, so it is good if staff have gained the qualification and will feel confident to do their job professionally and to have the SSF to back them up. In any other 'personal service' tattooist, chiropody, hairdressers etc. the government insists on a level of proven knowledge, but feet are completely ignored and they are the one part of our body that affects every other part. We always say bad shoe fitting affects your entire physiology and podiatrists and reflexologist agree - all hoping lots of shops will have taken our Survey (on the website) which is something we aim to repeat next Back to School. We look forward to welcoming our new students in October and trust that our new course format in 2012 will be a big success."

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A 'Not-for-Profit' Organisation Serving the
Footwear Trade & Public since 1959
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Laura West F.S.S.F.,
Secretary,
The Society of Shoe Fitters,
c/o The Anchorage,
28 Admirals Walk,
Hingham,
Norfolk. NR9 4JL.
Work Tel. 01953-851171
Home Tel. 01953-851190
www.shoefitters.org.uk
www.shoefitters-uk.org

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