If you’re passionate about working with horses and considering an equine apprenticeship with The College of Animal Welfare, there are some requirements to keep in mind. The most notable of these, is that you must be living and working in England in a suitable equine environment (such as a riding school, horse charity, or racing yard), and this is often the sticking point for many potential apprentices. Whilst finding a job as an equine apprentice can feel challenging, don’t be discouraged! Here are some tips and strategies to help you secure an equine apprenticeship position:
- Volunteer!
If you’re struggling to secure an apprenticeship, definitely consider volunteering. This hands-on experience can greatly improve your chances of landing a paid apprenticeship in the future – and often, we find, in can be the organisation that you volunteer for!
Look for volunteer opportunities at equine charities, stables, and riding schools, or inquire at local animal shelters with equine facilities. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment and offers invaluable learning experiences that make you a strong apprenticeship candidate.
- Search for Equine Apprenticeships on the Government’s “Find an Apprenticeship” Website
The UK government’s official apprenticeship website is a valuable resource for finding an apprenticeship job. You can search by location or keywords to pinpoint opportunities that fit your needs. Once you identify a position, create an account on the website to apply. Explore the “Find an Apprenticeship” website here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk.
- Browse Online Job Boards
Job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and apps like LinkedIn, frequently feature equine apprenticeship positions. You can even set up alerts straight to your email address so you don’t miss anything!
- Follow Equine Employers on Social Media
Equine employers often post new apprenticeship openings on their social media channels. So if there are riding stables/yards etc. near you be sure to follow them and stay updated on any new opportunities. Don’t forget to follow The College of Animal Welfare on Facebook to see our latest apprenticeship posts and updates!
- Contact Equine Employers Directly
Contact stables, riding schools, equine charities, and racing yards to introduce yourself and express interest in apprenticeship opportunities. This proactive approach will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm to potential employers. When contacting employers, a polite email or phone call is appropriate, but visiting in person can make an even stronger impression. Even if they don’t have any openings, they may keep your information on hand for future opportunities or refer you to someone in their network.
- Keep Your CV and Cover Letter Updated
Having an updated CV is essential. Include all relevant equine experience, including volunteer work, part-time roles, and any horse care studies you’ve undertaken. Be sure to mention any relevant hobbies that illustrate your passion for the field.
Equine Apprenticeships at The College of Animal Welfare
We offer both the level 2 and 3 equine apprenticeships, follow the links below for more information.
- Equine Groom (Level 2 Apprenticeship): This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for those working with horses
- Senior Equine Groom (Level 3 Apprenticeship): Suitable for those with experience, this apprenticeship focuses on leadership skills and specialised equine care.
Before you finish… please take a few minutes to sign up to new apprenticeship vacancy alerts on our website. Any equine apprenticeship vacancies we are helping employers to recruit for will be emailed out to anyone who has signed up to receive the alerts. It only takes a few minutes to do and, you never know, the perfect job might come up for you!