Animal

Senior Equine Groom - Level 3 Apprenticeship

Writtle University College are excited to be rolling out the new Senior Groom Apprenticeship Standard, which has been specifically designed by employers to meet the needs of industry and provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in your industry.

The Senior Equine Groom is designed for those wishing to progress their career in the equine industry to work towards taking on more responsibility in the workplace. You will learn to provide and coordinate the day to day care of the horses in the workplace. You will build all the necessary skills to lead by example and will have the knowledge required to implement effective systems relating to the running of the yard. They will be capable of organising and monitoring the quality of work and ordering and maintaining supplies.

In most cases the Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship is delivered predominantly in the workplace, with regular training workshops held at college by a qualified, professional members of staff with industry experience. Your tutor will work with you as you progress through the apprenticeship. At the end of the Apprenticeship you will be required to complete an independent End-Point Assessment to prove you have gained the required skills to achieve the Apprenticeship.

You will:

  • Work in your chosen industry for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
  • Get paid a minimum of the Apprenticeship Wage.
  • Study in a flexible way.
  • Be assessed and graded with either a pass, merit or distinction at the end of your programme by an Independent Assessment Organisation.
  • If you do not have a GCSE Grade 4 (C Grade) in Maths and English you will complete Functional Skills in English and Maths or there is the option to study for Maths and English GCSE (depending on previous qualifications).
  • Complete work-related tasks and assessments.
  • Receive mentoring visits in your workplace from your Writtle University College Training Officer, who will provide support, assess and review your progress.

Course Content

The apprentice will also select one of the specialised occupational pathways from breeding, riding, non-riding and driving.

Examples of some of the topics you may cover (depending on pathway)

  • Safe Working Practices
  • Yard and Field Routines and Duties
  • Horse Anatomy, Physiology and Welfare
  • Horse Handling, Care and Appearance
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Non-Ridden Exercise

Further details on the course content can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.

What are the progression options?

After completing the level 3 Apprenticeship, our Apprentices have the option to continuing study by progressing in to Higher Education or alternatively the Apprentice can progress in to full time employment within the industry.

This employment would likely be in the following type of job roles:

  • Yard Manager / Assistant Yard Manager
  • Competition Groom
  • Stud Assistant
  • Riding School Supervisor

How do I apply?

An apprentice needs to be in paid employment, so whilst you can apply for the Apprenticeship before you find an employer, you'll need to be employed before you can start the course. Many of our Apprentices already worked or volunteered for the companies who then decide to support them through their Apprenticeship. Our employers range from large local authorities and national contractors to micro companies. We are always happy to provide your employers with the information they need regarding potentially employing an Apprentice and can offer advice, however small or large businesses may be.

I don't have an employer

If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice, but don't have an employer please visit our website for tips on how to find an employer and to see a list of our current Apprenticeship vacancies.

I have an employer

If you have secured or are already in relevant paid employment with an employer willing to support you through the apprenticeship please complete the application form.