Apprenticeships

We offer:

A Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard – Equine Groom and
A Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard – Senior Equine Groom

EQUINE GROOM

LEVEL 2 APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD – EQUINE GROOM

Apprentices will be entering an industry where they must adhere to safe working practices, be prepared to work in all weather conditions and often in “out of hours” situations. They will be required to have dedication, commitment and the physical and mental toughness to cope with the rigours of the role.

The occupation requires competent individuals who are committed to the safety and welfare of the horses in their care. They will use their theoretical knowledge and understanding, practical experience and empathy to maintain the horses’ physical and psychological well-being within a safe working environment.

This is a practical, “hands on” occupation where apprentices will work under supervision individually or as part of a team. The Equine Groom is an integral part in the life of the horse, providing essential day-to-day care. They will be involved with feeding, grooming, cleaning equipment, handling, preparing, exercising the horses and carrying out routine yard duties.

The Equine Groom may also be required to assist with the preparation of transport and to care for horses at competitions, the races, sales, shows and other public appearances. Dependent on which sector of the industry the Equine Groom has chosen, appropriate people skills will be essential. The Equine Groom apprentice will need to decide in which sector of the industry they wish to progress and select the appropriate occupational route ie riding, non-riding.

The Equine Groom apprenticeship will typically take 12 – 18 months to complete and will include 20% Off The Job Training.
The apprentice will be paid by the employer at the appropriate apprentice hourly rate.
They will be employed on an apprentice contract, which means there is no guarantees that they will be kept on when the apprenticeship comes to an end.
KEITS and HEROS will provide the training throughout the apprenticeship

Entry requirements will be determined by individual employers but potential apprentices should aim to have 5 GCSE’s at Grades A-D (or 9-4 on the new grading system), or equivalent, including Maths and English.

Employers who recruit apprentices without the above levels of qualifications will have to ensure they achieve level 1 in maths and English as part of their apprenticeship. There is a requirement to work towards functional skills level 2 in maths and English if not already attained.

Candidates applying should be:

Aged 16-24 years,
25 with an ECHP unemployed (or work less than 16 hours per week) and have little work experience.
Not be qualified at a higher-level course.

This course is fully funded for 16 – 24 year olds.

To achieve the apprenticeship the apprentice must pass all aspects of the end point assessment.

The end point assessment will contain 3 components:

Knowledge Test (online 50 multiple-choice questions lasting 75 mins). Minimum 70% pass mark to progress to other elements of End Point Assessment.
Practical Observation (Approx. 5 hours). The Independent End Point Assessor will assess the apprentice undertaking a range of horse care and office/ riding activities depending on pathway, with oral questioning as necessary.
Professional Discussion (lasting 60 – 75 min) based around the show case portfolio.

The end point assessment is graded at fail, pass or distinction.
The end point assessment is undertaken at the apprentices work premises, and by an independent end point assessment provider.

Work Based blended delivery programme consisting predominantly of on-site employer led training and assessment within the workplace, supported by on-site technical training by a HEROS Tutor once every 4 – 6 weeks. Course teaching, learning and assessment is enhanced through the effective use of e portfolio and distance learning resources to ensure flexible delivery is responsive to learner, employer and situational needs. The E-Learning system also allows for ongoing support of learners by their assigned HEROS Tutor.

To apply for this course, please contact the HEROS Education Team by phone or email.

Email us at:

Call our Office on: 01488 638243

SENIOR EQUINE GROOM

LEVEL 3 APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD – SENIOR EQUINE GROOM

The Senior Equine Groom is a fundamental occupational role in all equine businesses and is an integral part of an industry that contributes over £8bn to the British economy. They can expect to handle and provide exercise for a variety of horses in different working environments. They must adhere to safe working practices, be prepared to work in all weather conditions and often in ‘out of hours’ situations. They will be required to have dedication, commitment and the physical and mental toughness to cope with the rigours of the role. Living onsite for part or all of the duration of the apprenticeship may also be necessary. The occupation requires competent individuals committed to the safety and welfare of horses in their care.

There are about a million horses (including all domestic equine species, namely horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids) kept for recreation and commercial use in the UK and the Senior Equine Groom will be capable of looking after a small to medium sized equine yard and supervising a diverse team of workers. They will be capable of offering advice, support and guidance to their team, whilst possessing appropriate people skills necessary for their chosen sector.

They will be required to have a sound base of experience and knowledge and have the right empathy so as to promote the horses’ physical and psychological well-being within a safe working environment. The Senior Equine Groom will have a sound knowledge of horse anatomy and physiology and the ability to assess and promote health. They will be able to recognise and treat common minor injuries and ailments. They will be capable of presenting horses to a high standard and can demonstrate the skills required to groom, plait and clip horses.

Senior Equine Grooms may have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally, preparing and caring for horses at competitions, the races, sales, shows and other public appearances. The Senior Equine Groom apprentice will need to decide in which sector of the industry they wish to be progress and select the appropriate occupational route.

The Senior Equine Groom apprenticeship will typically take 18 – 24 months to complete.
The apprentice will be paid by the employer at the appropriate apprentice hourly rate.
They will be employed on an apprentice contract, which means there is no guarantees that they will be kept on when the apprenticeship comes to an end.
KEITS and HEROS will provide the training throughout the apprenticeship

Entry onto the apprenticeship is subject to a thorough initial assessment to clarify course appropriateness. Entrants must have the ability to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Mathematics and be able to cope with the Level 3 vocational qualification.

They must also have a contract of employment working for a minimum for 30 hours/week. You will be subject to interview and an initial ride and vocational skills assessment. Riding assessments will take place on set dates at HEROS Education, with interviews carried out separately.

The candidate must be ready to step up to a team leader level of responsibility to meet the requirements of the senior groom apprentice.