Equine apprenticeships radically redesigned
There will be greater chances for apprentices in the equestrian industry thanks to the government’s approval of a new scheme.
The equine groom and senior equine groom apprenticeships’ standards were approved by David Cameron this summer, and next month work will begin on the assessment plans.
The apprenticeships were drawn up by a cross-discipline group representing all facets of equestrianism, from the British Equestrian Federation and the British Horseracing Authority to the Household Cavalry.
Through the radical reform of apprenticeships, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aims to increase their quality, put employers in the driving seat and simplify the system.
In doing so, it expects that the successful apprentice will be held in the same esteem as a university graduate.
The government is currently redesigning 76 different apprenticeship schemes, ranging from TV production to welding.
The standards for the new level two and three equine apprenticeships have been drafted by the Equine Trailblazer Apprenticeship group.
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“These standards have been carefully formulated to fulfil the government’s aim to produce world-class grooms who are industry-ready,” said Sue Martin, chairman of the Equestrian Trailblazers.
“The reform aims to standardise the core knowledge and skills of the grooms, while offering training in a chosen sector of the industry including breeding, driving, racing, riding and equestrianism as a whole.”
The standards received 93% approval from employers, confirming the need for change in preparing the future professionals for the equestrian industry.
Nick Boles, the minister of state for Skills, commented: “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver three million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020.
“By designing apprenticeships, employers like Trent Park Equestrian Centre are ensuring that young talented people develop the skills needed to progress up the career ladder and help drive businesses forward.”
Ref: H&H 22/10/15
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.