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Equine Apprenticeship Myths – BUSTED!

Equine Apprenticeships are good for everyone!

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Linda Hudson of Equic8 EquineThe Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd is delighted to publish an article by Linda Hudson, Head of Business Development at Apprenticeship Training Provider Educ8 Training. These guys are not new kids on the block; they have a longstanding presence in the world of  Apprenticeships and have been providing World Class Apprenticeships and training for over 13 years now.

Like most of us Linda has had a lifelong passion for horses. She has competed, has BHS qualifications, has worked on an equine yard and has studied Law. An active equestrian and in her own words “a typical Pony Club Mum,” Linda has a unique 360′ view.

Linda has worked in a wide range of non-horsey roles in businesses from sole traders to global organisations and in the last 10 years, she has worked in both college and private training organisations.

Caroline

 


Equine Apprenticeship Myths – BUSTED!

by Linda Hudson

So many of my friends running equine yards tell me how difficult it is to find good staff with the right work ethic, how hard it is to keep them, and how much pressure this places on them when they are understaffed either as a one-off as someone’s gone off sick for the day or on a longer-term basis.  They tell me stories about having to waste competition entries because they had no one at home to take care of the yard whilst they’re away, or  just that finding someone to rely upon was becoming increasingly difficult.

I hear comments from employers such as:

  • ‘Kids these days don’t want to put in a full day’s work’
  • ‘I’m better off having a working pupil’
  • ‘Standards are dropping’
  • Young people come here with a paper qualification from a college and don’t have the practical skills we need’
  • Staff keep telling me they’re better off ‘on benefits’

But equally, I hear tales from young people who entered the industry full of enthusiasm and hoping for a long- term career only to be disappointed by:

  • Not being able to manage financially on their wage – ‘can’t afford driving lessons/to top my phone up/to go on holiday’
  • Living in seriously sub-standard accommodation – no heating in winter, no running water, no flushing toilet (yes, honestly!!)
  • Unreasonable working hours and expectations sometimes upwards of 60 hours per week
  • No contract/pension/job description/H+S/ performance appraisal
  • Mucking out all day and receiving no actual training or development
  • Feeling they are just used as cheap labour
  • Bullying in the workplace
  • Finding it’s a ‘dead end job’

So, who’s right, who’s wrong?  THEY ALL ARE!

 

I’m going to ask you to remember that there are two sides to most stories.

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Facts and MythsAs Caroline Carter seems to have said over and over again, just as there are some young people who are letting their employers down, there are some employers who are letting their employees down it’s not all one way.  I believe that for every bad employer, who is choosing to ignore basic employment law and health and safety legislation, so putting their business at risk of prosecutions and fines, there are many, many more who believe fervently in providing fair working conditions, training the next generation, teaching them how to do things to the best possible standards of care for the horses we all love.

For every unsuitable employee,  looking for a ‘cushy number’, ringing in sick when they’ve had a ‘heavy night’ the night before, there are many, many more who really want to learn, who go above and beyond, who are ambitious to do well and progress in their careers, and who dearly love the horses in their care and drag themselves to work through the worst of winter weather.  Why do so many of these end up disenchanted and burnt out after only a few years?

 

Where does it all go wrong?

I think it starts to go wrong before it’s even begun – before the potential employee/apprentice has even left school!  Careers Information, Advice and Guidance in schools varies from fantastic to very weak and many young people and their parents don’t understand the full range of post 16 choices or the pro’s and con’s of each.

 

It happened to me and my own daughter – let me tell you the tale…

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Educ8 Equine ApprenticeshipsMessage: It’s important that employees and parents understand all the options available within education when at school and beyond. It can all go wrong or awry if this isn’t properly researched and thought through in practical and technical terms!

My daughter had had various part time jobs (some with horses, some not) since she was about 13.  By the age of 15 she was working as weekend cover for a professional dressage rider and trainer.  He thought so highly of her (after a period of time) that he was even prepared to leave her in sole charge of extremely valuable dressage stallions, including turning them out or bringing them in, and dealing with some very challenging livery clients on his behalf, whilst he went off to shows with the full time member of staff as his competition groom!  She announced as she went into her GCSE’s that she was not going to stay on at school for A levels.  I was horrified!!  Having completed my A levels and gone on to university, I thought this was a waste of her education opportunities, it was closing the door to future university if she later decided that was the route she wanted to go.  I was so disappointed.  We argued endlessly about it.  For weeks.  Probably for months.  She won.  She didn’t go back to school.  As the only career she was prepared to think about was a career with horses, I set about finding out  about college courses and after soul searching, masses of research and a few tears, (mostly mine!) off she trotted to a live in- course at a highly respected equine college a couple of hours’ drive away.  She loved it!!  She made lifelong friends, she matured, she developed her independence.  Fortunately, she also gained the qualification – a Level 3 National Diploma in Horse Care.  This also enabled her to then gain a place at a different, equally highly respected equine college where she started a degree in Equine Science. But unfortunately, this is the point where the ‘wheels started to come off’.

 

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Education and skillsUnfortunately for her, although the college course equated to 2 A levels and gave her the UCAS points for university entry, it didn’t prepare her well, as A level study would have, for the level of academic study she faced on a degree course.  She struggled with the science as she hadn’t studied any science at A level.  A further mistake I made was that I allowed her to keep on eventing her 2 horses – she took one to 2 star during this period – and keep the several part-time jobs she needed to be able to contribute to her horses and eventing costs.  I set her up to fail and, in hindsight quite predictably, she switched courses to Equine Business and extended her degree by a year but eventually abandoned it altogether a few months before her final year was due to end after struggling to maintain progress throughout.

The story has a happy ending – she was actually the first one of her uni group to get a full -time job – at the equine college where she’d been a degree student – and she went on to develop a working life outside horses.

 

Understanding ALL the options – Equine Apprenticeships myths

Clearly my big mistake was when she was leaving school – I had absolutely no idea about apprenticeships as an alternative route. So here with the benefit of hindsight and experience are a few myths I’m going to bust and ‘truths’ I’m going to reveal to help you, whether you are a school leaver, a parent of a school leaver, someone in an equine job/apprenticeship who is feeling uninspired, or an employer.

 

“Apprenticeships are for students who aren’t academic enough to do A levels or go to college or on to a degree course.”

WRONG. Whilst it’s true that apprenticeships don’t carry UCAS points they do involve academic study and training alongside gaining real workplace skills which employers value. It’s possible to progress all the way to degree level of studies in this way.  Even the most vocationally based apprenticeships such as Equine Groom can provide a pathway to degree apprenticeships, for example via Level 3 Team Leading and on to Level 5 Management (foundation degree level) and Level 7 Management (degree level).  All the time, earning whilst learning and, importantly, not building up a huge student loan debt!

 

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Older learners“Apprenticeships are just for young people.”

WRONG. There is no age limit to an apprenticeship. So long as you meet the other eligibility criteria eg residence in UK or EU etc, employed (not self-employed) status.  This means that older people can change careers and access apprenticeship funding for their qualifications.  It also means that someone who’s already employed can access apprenticeship funding for further career development.  The only difference is that for anyone aged 19+ the Government funds 95% of the training (16 – 18’s are fully funded for small employers with less than 50 staff) and the employer must pay the other 5%

 

Equine Apprenticeship Myths - BUSTED! Employment Law“A working pupil arrangement is better than an apprenticeship.”

WRONG. Apart from very carefully crafted contractual agreements (should be in writing and under professional legal advice) to train someone aged 18+ most working pupil arrangements are in breach of HMRC tax legislation. ‘quid pro quo’ and ‘benefits in kind’ are taxable so this kind of arrangement, over a period of time, could render an employer liable for a huge tax bill.  Anyone under 18 is mandated to education or training and so can only be legally employed under an Apprenticeship scheme or a Traineeship.  Equally, for the working pupil there are risks – an employer has to have Employers’ Liability Insurance – this covers employees but would not cover a working pupil – because they are not employed!  Some employers call their apprentice a working pupil, some call their working pupil an apprentice.  They are not the same thing!  Be clear about whether this is an apprenticeship, with an apprenticeship training agreement and a contract of employment, or not, whether you are the employee, the employer or a parent!

 

The Grooms LIst - How Grooms Can Earn Extra Money - Caroline Carter Recruitment“All Apprentices are only paid £4.81 per hour.”   

WRONG. There is a National Minimum Wage for Apprentices (which changes every year in April) and from April 2022 it is £4.81 but this is just a minimum and employers are free to pay above this if/when they choose. Many employers will usually start an apprentice on the Apprentice minimum wage but may give pay increases as skills and competencies develop.

Additionally, Apprentices aged 19 or over in their second year of an apprenticeship must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age, NOT the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices!

 

Become a Professional Rider - you haven't escaped yard duties yet!“Apprenticeships are just slave labour.”

WRONG. Every employer of apprentices must provide (and show evidence of this) high-quality training during no less than 20% of the apprentice’s paid working time. Many equine employers provide much more training than this but it’s not always easy to recognise off the job training when it’s happening in a live workplace at intervals during the day instead of by a block of day release to college or a full-time classroom course.

 

“Apprenticeships are only available to someone with GCSE’s grades A – C, or equivalent in Maths and English.” 

WRONG. Whilst some training providers set this as an entry requirement many will support apprentices whose grades were lower.

 

“If I have an apprenticeship we are tied together for a year or more.”   

WRONG. Either employee or employer can give notice in the normal way for any employment situation.  The apprenticeship can be transferred to a different employer.  The apprentice can be replaced by a new employee.

 

“Employers don’t value apprenticeships.”

WRONG. Overwhelming feedback from employers is that apprentices develop workplace skills much faster than full-time students.

 

Find out more…

For further information for Employers, Learners and Parents visit our Apprentice Zone here.

Search and contact job seekers looking for Apprentice Vacancies via our Apprentice Grooms Directory here.

Find out more about Educ8 Training here.

 

Get FREE equine recruitment advice

Both employers and jobseekers alike, if you would like free, friendly, no obligation recruitment advice from Caroline please do get in touch!

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the information they are working to is correct and appropriate for their specific circumstances.

© Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and The Grooms List, 2024. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd and www.thegroomslist.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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*Single or family person welcomed (including children.) *Dog welcomed but not on the yard* *5 day week * IRO £25K -£35Kpa +/- plus accommodation neg. . The employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and his wife has a strong equestrian background. Carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential.  Strong horsemanship skills on the ground and under saddle along with yard management skills are, however, essential. Groundwork and long-reining ability also are highly desirable. The horses are ridden (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of horses and possess all the usual skills including the ability to turn a horse out and there is an opportunity to learn to drive. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business so a track record of RELIABILITY is key. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Accommodation options are available. Very well appointed 2 beds/2 baths flat on-site and a lovely house in the village close by is available meantime. Please note due to protracted absences of the employer, this position has a contracted 3-month notice period. Good yards close by if you have a horses (s) Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
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*5 day week * IRO £25K pa +/- plus accommodation neg. 🙂 This vacancy has arisen due to internal promotion. We have placed staff in these roles previously and the feedback is always excellent 🙂 This lovely employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and he and his wife have a strong equestrian background. Good horsemanship skills on the ground with yard & horse management skills being a priority for the role . Candidates should possess all the usual skills, including the ability to turn a horse out Riding optional – the horses are ridden by their owners (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). An interest in carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential and there is an opportunity to learn to drive if you might be interested.  Outings to competitions are shared between the yard manager and this position. You would mostly be travelling to outings in the UK. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business but is looking to be permanently based in the UK permanently in 5/6 years’ time. Integrity, self-reliance initiative and self-starters are a must for this role. Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. No room for a horse but lots of good yards close by. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description English family relocating from Scotland are looking for a live-in groom to start June 2024. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work ad hoc Saturdays or Sundays as needed. The applicant will be in sole-charge of two perfectly behaved cobs and three (pretty perfectly) behaved shetland ponies. The family are currently looking to acquire three further horses / ponies to add to their team. The private estate is a working farm with excellent equine facilities. There is an outdoor arena with show jumps, miles of off-road hacking and plans for an extensive cross country course. This is a very happy and family focussed home, with young children, dogs and other livestock. HGV 7.5 ton license preferable, but for the right candidate the family would sponsor the required training and qualifications. CVs and references will be required. Minimum Requirements All yard duties must be performed to a high standard. Applicant must be a sensitive and confident rider and happy to work through any schooling or behavioural issues. Due to the size of the horses, the family require a lightweight groom, ideally one who is able to exercise and school small stocky ponies. Candidate must be energetic, a team player, with good social skills and the ability to work harmoniously alongside other staff. The family are also looking for a positive, happy groom who would also really enjoy riding with (and teaching where needed) the younger members of the family. A DBS certificate will be required. Accommodation details Idyllic one-bedroom flat adjoined to the main house, overlooking the farm and parkland. This flat is in excellent condition and there is a strong expectation that this standard of accommodation will be maintained by the successful applicant. – Council tax paid for – Water and heating paid for (T&Cs apply) – All other utilities to be covered by the applicant Benefits For the right candidate, this position offers: – The opportunity to bring with them their own horse – The opportunity to bring with them a maximum of two well behaved small pets (indoor cats only) – The opportunity to use the family horse box for personal use (when not in use by the family) Pension as standard  
We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. This Warmblood Stud is the home of Stallions and Broodmares. We have the pleasure of owning and producing beautiful and versatile warmblood horses.  Our bloodlines include some of the top in the  Country ;- Concorde, Kannan, Voltaire, Zirocco Blue, Cardento, Kashmir V. We are based in West Wales near Tregaron in a stunning rural location with purpose built equine facilities with an Equine Therapy and Spa onsite. Set in the midst of the idyllic Cambrian Mountains we are graced with beautiful outriding and our horses benefit with hacking out as part of their daily routines.  These quality Warmbloods are or have competed in show jumping competition in this country and abroad. This full time, live in or out role. We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our team,  getting the best from our horses. This will include general yard duties working as part of the team producing young stock and competing our stallions.   The role is 5 days per week and flexibility if we go out to shows at the week days and weekends. We are a mixed yard competition horses (stallions), youngstock, broodmares and general riding horses. We have some very well bred, exciting youngsters for the future. We are a very busy yard this could be a hugely rewarding role for the right person. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one and own horse considered.  
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg and prorate. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience is required to work on a TEMPORARY basis whilst we find a permanent member of staff for an established and highly motivated team who work to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab career/CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience required to work within an established and highly motivated team to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. This is a great training ground for those established in their career or ambitious individuals wanting to build a career towards yard management and /or competition grooming in the future. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
​*Stunning Cotswold location *IRO £400-£450 +accomm and no bills *5 day week * dog considered* Our client events her horses at all levels (BE90 – 4*)and has some fabulous advanced horses as well as some “up and coming” youngsters. This role is suitable for an experienced Groom who enjoys the competitive environment but is also happy when mostly home grooming. Relevant experience ideal including yard/stable/performance horse management. Youngstock experience a bonus as a few young horses brought in from time to time to bring on. Must be able to turn out to a good basic level. Must be passionate about horses and their care. … Please call Caroline & the Team  on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED *Salary IRO £40k totally negotiable depending on experience plus accommodation *Sponsorship available to suitably qualified non UK citizens *Partner, own horse and pets welcomed (but this is a role with lots of travelling home and internationally) Show Jumping Competition Groom required for a vacancy with a very ambitious and competitive family. Must be an experienced Show Groom in the UK and Internationally with an established referenceable record. Rider is a bonus but certainly not essential. Experienced driving  26t+ lorries and ideally articulated is key. 18 quality jumping horses and homebred/other young stock destined for a career in SJ/jumping all kept in top accommodation to the highest standards. Nice, flexible  accommodation Great team environment with a young, energetic, motivated and progressive team. Top-class facilities Fairly flexible on the number of days worked, can work around anything between 5 and 6 but obviously will be straight through when away at shows You will be well looked after and treated as the professional you have worked hard to become in this very inclusive environment. Must have experience with handling stallions. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
If you have an EU or German passport or the necessary immigration status plus an adventurous spirit and would like to turbocharge your CV – we would like you to get in touch soonest *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge *Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered *Short-term contract positions (6-9 months available), as well as long-term jobs, are available *This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class performance horse yard/ auction site/ sales/youngstock /sales and competition yards and on the same employer’s Stud & AI laboratory (during the Stud season) . The Stud role during the season has 2 key elements:  to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and insemination, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horse people. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you choose at home and abroad. Outside of the season you may well work with young horses/competition horses/auction bound horses etc etc whatever you r preference vs the yards requirements at the time. All up for discussion. This really does offer a rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), and the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Add considerable experience to your CV – why not consider as a short-term contract position (6-9 months available) as well as long-term jobs. If you have an EU or German passport, an adventurous spirit and would like to show what you are capable of or add to your CV, then this could be for you! *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge * Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered. One of the most professional performance horse yards in the world is looking to add to its team with two key Stud Roles to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and inseminations, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horsepeople. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you chose in the future both at home and abroad. A rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
The Stables
Fildyke Road
Meppershall
Bedfordshire
SG17 5LU

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730 / 07747 686 118

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