National Apprenticeship Week | Apprenticeships in Horseracing

 

What is an apprenticeship in the horseracing industry and how can you get involved?

This week (8th – 12th February 2021) we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and throughout the week we will be guiding you through the process on our social media channels of how to gain an apprenticeship in the horseracing industry.

At the National Horseracing College (NHC) we offer Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in the horseracing industry. We also offer Level 4 Learning Programmes in the Horseracing Industry.

The most common route for individuals to enroll onto an apprenticeship, is to firstly successfully complete the 12-week residential Foundation Course at the NHC. This course is a Level 1 diploma in Racehorse Care for anyone aged 16 or over and successful completion may lead to full-time employment in a racing yard. Previous equine experience and academic qualifications are not required to apply for the Foundation Course and a rider or non-rider option is available.

From here individuals can enroll on the Level 2 Apprenticeship and then work towards the Level 3 Apprenticeship and Level 4 Learning Programme.

 

What apprenticeships are available at the NHC?

Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom Apprenticeship Standard

Learners who successfully complete the Foundation Course and demonstrate their aptitude and commitment will be secured employment in a racing yard and will undertake the Level 2 Apprenticeship. This programme will include a Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship Standard together with Functional Skills in English and Maths at a minimum Level 1.

• Completed largely at the learner’s place of work.
• Roving Tutor visiting every 8 – 10 weeks with a final one day assessment.
• Open to anyone aged 16 or over, who work more than 30 hours per week in a licensed racing stable.
• The Level 2 Apprenticeship is linked to the scale 2 racing wage.
• Successful completion can lead onto the Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Find out more

 

Level 3 Apprenticeship Senior Equine Groom Standard

Level 3 Apprenticeship is an ideal way to increase your existing knowledge. Completion of this course is a statement of practical competence to perform the required duties in your role.  This includes Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Standard together with  Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2.

• Completed largely at the learner’s place of work.
• Roving Tutor visiting every 8 – 10 weeks with a final one day assessment.
• Open to anyone aged 16 or over, who works at least 30 hours a week, in a licensed racing stable.
• The Level 3 Apprenticeship is linked to the scale 4 racing wage.
• The Level 3 Apprenticeship is a mandatory requirement for all prospective licensed racehorse trainers and permit holders .

Find out more

 

Level 4 Learning Programmes in the Horseracing Industry

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced a suite of eight higher-level training programmes in the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industries. These programmes build on the skills and knowledge either gained from lower-level qualifications or by working in the industry and are specific to particular vocational areas of work.

The subjects included in this suite of learning programmes are:

• Operating within British Horseracing Regulations
• Management of the Education, Training and Development of Young Thoroughbred Horses
• Development and Implementation of a Horse Care, Welfare and Stable Management Policy for Thoroughbred Horses
• Management of the Purchase and Sale of Thoroughbred Horses
• Managing Staff Recruitment, Training and Retention in Horseracing
• Training Thoroughbred Horses for Performance
• Management of a Thoroughbred Stallion (Not available at NHC)
• Management of Thoroughbred Breeding Operations (Not available at NHC)

Find out more

 

Why choose an apprenticeship in the horseracing industry?

The horseracing industry offers a hands-on, practical working environment. We place learners throughout the UK on apprenticeships and ensure that the workplace suits the individual learner. The horseracing industry is known for its comradery and everyone works as a team, enjoying successes together and helping each other along the way.

The horseracing industry is the only discipline within the equestrian industry that has regulated pay and with successful completion of a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship or Level 4 Learning Programme comes an increase in wages. This is a great incentive for individuals to work hard and achieve personal goals. For more information about pay and wages in the horseracing industry visit The National Association of Stable Staff.

 

Would you like to know more about courses and apprenticeships at the NHC?

Join us for one of our regular virtual open mornings as we will guide you around the facilities at the NHC, watch a typical morning for Foundation Course learners, learn more about our courses, meet the horses, meet the Training Instructors, meet current learners, and ask questions during the live video. We understand that some may not be able to attend our Virtual Open Mornings live, so we have made them available on our Facebook page and YouTube channel to view at a time to suit everyone.  For more details visit our website.

 

Please contact us for more information about our courses via info@theNHC.co.uk or call us 01302 861000 (During Business Hours)