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Key Programme Features:
Please click on the appropriate level below to find out more about the full qualifications standards. Please note: if you already have a Level 4 or 5 qualification you are unfortunately not eligible for an Apprenticeship.
| Programme | Level | Length | Other Requirements | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Programme |
Level 1 | 12 Months | Functional Skills Maths | Entry |
| Functional Skills English | Entry | |||
| Functional Skills ICT | Entry | |||
| Employability & Personal Development | Certificate | |||
| Traineeship | Level 2 | 5 Months | Work preparation training | |
| Non-employed work experience in a yard, progressing to Apprenticeship | ||||
| Functional Skills Maths | Entry | |||
| Functional Skills English | Entry | |||
| Intermediate Apprenticeship | Level 2 | 13 Months | Functional Skills Maths | 1 |
| Functional Skills English | 1 | |||
| Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care | ||||
| Advanced Apprenticeship | Level 3 | 18 Months | Functional Skills Maths | 2 |
| Functional Skills English | 2 | |||
| Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care |
The length is a guide only. The minimum duration for an Apprenticeship is 12 months. The Functional Skills in English and Maths are only completed for apprentices with GCSE grade D or below.
Career Opportunities
Many former apprentices have furthered their career in the horse industry as:
- international travelling grooms up to Olympic level
- professional riders
- showing producers
- livery / competition yard owners
- instructors
- Yard Managers
- horse transporters
- event / competition organisers
- Mounted Police
- Household Cavalry and King's Troop
- veterinary nurses
Careers guidance – from leading showjumper Morgan Kent, HK Horses
What does a career with competition horses involve?
Morgan gives some key points:
- The specialist care, health and fitness work
- Working to world class standards and the highest levels of attention to detail – the smallest things matter
- Care of the horses when travelling, especially on long / foreign journeys
- Grooming and care of the horses at competitions
What top 3 qualities does a competition horse groom need to have?
Morgan says:
- 1. Meticulous attention to detail
- 2. Punctuality, timing is everything!
- 3. A strong work ethic
What opportunities are available working with competition horses?
Morgan gives some examples…
- Travelling, including internationally, for example 7 weeks in Spain at the Sunshine Tour
- It’s hugely rewarding – getting to see the benefits and results of all your hard work on the care, fitness and turn out of the horses when they are in the ring
- The social aspect – making friends for life, being part of a team, everyone helping each other
- Learning everyday! From other grooms, riders, vets, physios and coaches; learning and seeing world class standards
What top tips would you give on making the most out of the Apprenticeship?
Morgan says:
- Be PROACTIVE in your own learning – be always watching, asking, making the effort to improve and learn, work to targets
- WATCH the top level grooms and riders, see the standards they work to, take note of their attention to detail
- AIM to be the best, and always try to better yourself and your work, give yourself targets for improvement and learning
What is an Apprenticeship?
There are 2 levels of Apprenticeship available – Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship includes:
- Working towards and gaining a Work Based Diploma in Horse Care and Management
- Improving your Functional Skills, including English and Maths
- Gaining a Technical Certificate
- Opportunities and world class training via the SCT Masterclass Series and 'Winning Ways' Seminars, work experience in international level yards, helping at Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Apprentice:
As an Apprentice you will be employed with a wage. The Apprenticeship takes approximately 12 months to complete and leads to a Work Based Diploma in Horse Care at Level 2. The work is mainly practical, and you will gain technical skills as well as valuable work experience. There is also the opportunity to progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced Apprentice:
As an Advanced Apprentice you will be in full time employment with an appropriate wage, aiming for a supervisory or junior management role. The Advanced Apprenticeship lasts approximately 18 months, and leads to a Work Based Diploma in Horse Care and Management at Level 3. Achievement of the Advanced Apprenticeship may also enable you to progress to Higher Education.
The benefits of Apprenticeships are great – with hands on practical experience in the workplace to prove your capabilities, a real wage, and a recognised qualification which will dramatically increase your future job opportunities.
Traineeship:
Traineeships prepare young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. Traineeships will last approximately 5 months with the content tailored to the needs of the individual, including:
- Work preparation training which ensures young people are ready and have confidence to take the first step in their career, such as an Apprenticeship
- Maths and English support to improve young people’s literacy and numeracy
- A work placement which provides insight and experience of the world of work
