Apprenticeships have been around for some time and there are more benefits to employers than ever before. Not only do they provide an opportunity for someone to gain a qualification and valuable experience working with horses, they can help equine employers to expand and grow their team in a cost effective and practical way.
Quick facts about equine apprenticeships at The College of Animal Welfare:
- The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is currently just £3.90 per hour.*
- Apprentices can now be part-time.
- Existing staff can use apprenticeships to upskill or retrain – they are not just for new employees.
- Apprentices can be any age (as long as they are over 16 years of age).
- Apprentices do not attend college and they can start at any time! Our assessors visit at mutually convenient times and provide email and telephone support between visits.
- We can help you recruit, screen candidates and even arrange interviews – for free!
£1,000 incentive to employers taking on a new apprentice
Take on a new apprentice aged 16-18 years of age and you will receive a £1,000 incentive towards their training fees (in two staged payments). What’s more, if your business has less than 50 contracted employees, the course fees for those aged 16-18 will be fully funded!
What will my apprentice learn?
Our Equine Apprenticeship programmes run within a 90 mile radius of our Huntingdon centre. They will equip apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge needed across key horse care skills. Examples of units include:
- Safe Working Practices
- Yard and Field Routines and Duties
- Horse Anatomy, Physiology and Welfare
- Horse Handling, Care and Appearance
- Saddlery and Equipment
- Travelling Horses
- Non-Ridden Exercise
In addition to the core knowledge, skills and behaviours your apprentice will undertake further learning relevant to their job role and interests. There are five specialised routes you can choose, from each of which have specific knowledge and skills: Breeding, Riding, Driving, Non-Riding and Racing.
Not looking to recruit new staff? Train your current staff!
If you would like to train an existing member of staff, your employee will need to select the equine apprenticeship they are interested in and apply online.